This self-directed learning module highlights complementary and alternative therapies that are often used by patients seen in the typical physiatric practice. This article contains information on acupuncture and its use to treat low back pain, recent therapeutic approaches to lateral epicondylitis, movement therapies appropriate for the osteoporotic patient, and spa therapies. Scientific literature and standards of clinical practice in these areas have been reviewed to put forth the most recent recommendations regarding these diagnoses and therapeutic interventions.
Overall article objectives: (a) To familiarize the physiatrist with complementary techniques that are increasingly popular in the United States and (b) to identify when therapies, such as acupuncture, movement therapies, bodywork, and the like, may be integrated into a comprehensive treatment approach for common physiatric clinical scenarios.