The Arthritis Foundation's Guide to Alternative Therapies - Softcover

More than 43 million people of all ages in the U.S. suffer from arthritis, an often disabling disease for which conventional medicine offers only limited relief from pain--and no cure. Arthritis patients are increasingly seeking alternative therapies, yet these have their drawbacks, too: though some have proven benefits, many others are expensive and work for only some, others are useless, and some are dangerous. This book aims to be a "common-sense guide through the maze of the most-used complementary therapies for arthritis, to help you choose wisely among the many options available," and it succeeds beautifully. The book lists 22 complementary therapies, from familiar ones like acupuncture, meditation, tai chi, and yoga, to less accepted treatments like copper bracelets, magnets, and bee stings (don't worry, the book isn't recommending this, only providing information). The "Nature's Medicines" section discusses more than 40 herbs and supplements.

The book describes each therapy and how it is used, presents scientific evidence and expert opinion, and gives tips on how to find a practitioner and information on costs, advice, cautions, and resources in a helpful and reader-friendly style. There are also guidelines for working with your doctor, choosing a therapist, and avoiding rip-offs. Author Judith Horstman, a two-time Fulbright Scholar and award-winning editor of Arthritis Today magazine, makes the point that complementary therapies cannot "cure" arthritis or replace proven medical treatments. They can, however, ease symptoms and improve your outlook, and may even enhance the effects of your conventional treatment. This is an extremely useful and beautifully illustrated book for arthritis sufferers seeking to expand their treatment as informed consumers. --Joan Price

From the establishmentthe Arthritis Foundation itselfa worthwhile, realistic look at the help to be had from alternative therapies. For years, Horstman acknowledges, the Arthritis Foundation has cautioned against remedies offered by those outside of the medical mainstream. Here, the Foundation acknowledges survey results showing that many arthritis sufferers already use unconventional therapies, and would like help finding reliable resources for such treatments. Accepting this development, Horstman provides help in sorting out the choices. She is both sympathetic and realistic about the problems: ``There is no cure for most kinds of arthritis, and the limited treatments available can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated and depressed.'' In fact, ``Chronic disease can grind the joy and meaning right out of your life.'' Complementary medicine can't treat most acute illnesses, replace conventional medical treatment, or cure chronic disease, cautions Horstman. But what acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicines and other such disciplines can do is promote wellness and general well-being, prevent other illnesses from occurring, ease such symptoms as pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression, and increase the effectiveness of conventional remedies. For each of the various therapies, Horstman explains what the basis for treatment is and how it is used, reviews any scientific evidence documenting its effects, explains how to find a reliable practitioner, lists the probable cost, and offers further resources. Typical signals of the quackery that often accompanies new treatments include any mention of secret formulas or of the words ``amazing,'' ``breakthrough,'' or ``cure.'' Overall: careful, sound, and useful suggestions for help and comfort. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.