Why I would want to use complementary and alternative therapy: a patient's perspective.

People are increasingly turning to complementary therapy as an adjunct to traditional care, but a large percentage do not share that information with their physician. People with rheumatic disease use alternative and complementary therapies for many reasons, and they use a wide variety of therapies. Chronic diseases are among the most difficult to treat with traditional Western medications that attack symptoms, while more alternative and complementary therapies offer relief through other means. Everyone involved--medical doctor, patient, and complementary practitioner--needs to know about the entire treatment regimen and handle it with the patient's overall, long-term health and quality of life in mind. Organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and professional holistic groups can partner to increase knowledge and further enhance quality of life for people with rheumatic disease.