Title of Research
Start Date
17-8-2018 9:30 AM
End Date
17-8-2018 11:30 AM
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by joint swelling, tenderness, synovial joint destruction all of which leads to disability as well as premature death. It is a disease that affects all bodily systems as well as daily living. The current methods of treatment are aggressive medications in various forms. Complementary and alternative methods (CAMs) of treatment can be useful in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as improving the quality of daily living.
Objectives: The purpose of a literature review was to explore the current treatment methods of Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as provide evidence of the effectiveness of CAMs such as acupuncture, fish oil, physical activity, heat/cold therapies, and medical massages. The literature review will build a better understanding of the current treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and how non-traditional medicine can be used to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Method: An integrative literature review was conducted to examine the current method of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the potential benefits of complementary and alternative medicine. Two databases were used to acquire the relevant sources of information: PubMed and CINHAL January 2017 thru January 2018.
Results: The current methods of treatment in the form of DRMARDs and biologic agents for Rheumatoid Arthritis are well known and provide consistent evidence to support their use. The benefits of CAMs provided both consistent and inconsistent results. Yoga/Pilates, herbal therapy, comprehensive occupational therapy and exercise proved beneficial in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Acupuncture, therapeutic ultrasound, low-level laser therapy, thermotherapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation proved inconclusive for benefits in treating RA.
Conclusions: The integrative literature review found both conclusive and inconclusive results for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. There is a need for future research to provide indisputable evidence as to the benefits of complementary and alternative methods of treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, complementary and alternative medicine (CAMs), DRMARDs, Biologic Agents
Included in
The Benefits of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Integrative Review of Literature
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by joint swelling, tenderness, synovial joint destruction all of which leads to disability as well as premature death. It is a disease that affects all bodily systems as well as daily living. The current methods of treatment are aggressive medications in various forms. Complementary and alternative methods (CAMs) of treatment can be useful in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as improving the quality of daily living.
Objectives: The purpose of a literature review was to explore the current treatment methods of Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as provide evidence of the effectiveness of CAMs such as acupuncture, fish oil, physical activity, heat/cold therapies, and medical massages. The literature review will build a better understanding of the current treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and how non-traditional medicine can be used to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Method: An integrative literature review was conducted to examine the current method of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the potential benefits of complementary and alternative medicine. Two databases were used to acquire the relevant sources of information: PubMed and CINHAL January 2017 thru January 2018.
Results: The current methods of treatment in the form of DRMARDs and biologic agents for Rheumatoid Arthritis are well known and provide consistent evidence to support their use. The benefits of CAMs provided both consistent and inconsistent results. Yoga/Pilates, herbal therapy, comprehensive occupational therapy and exercise proved beneficial in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Acupuncture, therapeutic ultrasound, low-level laser therapy, thermotherapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation proved inconclusive for benefits in treating RA.
Conclusions: The integrative literature review found both conclusive and inconclusive results for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. There is a need for future research to provide indisputable evidence as to the benefits of complementary and alternative methods of treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, complementary and alternative medicine (CAMs), DRMARDs, Biologic Agents