Complementary and alternative therapies
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAMs) is the name given to a broad group of health-related therapies which are not considered to be part of mainstream medicine.
They may 'complement' conventional healthcare or provide an 'alternative' to it.
Within the term complementary and alternative medicine there’s a lot of variation – people might be referring to something relatively standard and inexpensive, like pilates, or something more unusual and unproven, such as bee sting therapy.
CAMs might include acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy osteopathy, pilates and meditation.
CAMs is an area that’s poorly researched, and there isn’t much scientific evidence to show how effective or safe therapies are. If a therapy is found definitively to work, it might no longer be known as complementary or alternative, and join mainstream medicine as a proven treatment.
It’s ultimately up to an individual to manage their MS in the way they want to, but it’s worth bearing safety, cost and efficacy of treatments in mind.
Before any treatment begins, make sure the practitioner is aware of your MS, any other medical conditions you have, and any medications you take. At the appointment, the practitioner should take a full history of your condition and explain what the process will involve.
Some people find a practitioner via their doctor, MS nurse, MS therapy centre or another member of their health care team. Others look for a practitioner independently.
