Complementary Therapies “If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it probably is” (Edzard Ernst, Professor of Complementary Medicine, UK) Conventional treatments for Parkinson’s include specialist medical care, medication, allied health therapies and, in some cases, surgery. These treatments have made tremendous advances in managing Parkinson’s symptoms, making them the foundation of your healthcare. Yet health and wellbeing is multidimensional and these treatments also have limits. While conventional treatments generally focus on symptoms, a range of other practices and therapies focus on overall well-being or different components of it. Examples include regular exercise, complementary therapies and nutrition supplements. These treatments are intended to be used alongside conventional medicine – as indicated by the term ‘complementary’. With complementary therapies in particular it is important to note that, while many people find them useful, they are not scientifically based – so be sure to research them properly first! A range of other treatments exist called alternative therapies. Unlike complementary therapies, these treatments tend to market themselves as “cures” that can replace conventional approaches. Be aware that these treatments are often profit driven and claims of cures are NOT supported by scientific evidence. Since complementary and alternative therapies are not scientifically developed, they are not regulated as carefully as conventional medicine. For this reason, you need to be cautious and informed when considering these approaches. In other words, you need to do your own detective work! To assist you in your research, this fact sheet guides you to resources and advice on making best use of other therapies to promote your wellbeing. Specifically, the following questions are answered:
What are the benefits of regular exercise and active living? How can I make best use of complementary therapies? Important! Your first priority should always be to avoid harming yourself. Some therapies are not advisable for Parkinson’s and other health conditions, so make sure you ask your neurologist or doctor about the benefits or risks of the treatment. Sound guidelines to follow when selecting a complementary therapy are listed in a booklet produced by the UK Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS): Complementary Therapies and Parkinson’s Disease Further information on complementary therapies for Parkinson’s is available on the European Parkinson’s Disease Association’s (EPDA) – Rewrite Tomorrow website. Important! If you are thinking about using a complementary therapist, ask them the following key questions:
Examples of commonly used complementary therapies
To find out more, read: Where can I find a complementary therapist or Association? Australian Links on complementary therapy
What can nutrition supplements offer? Find more information on diet here. Note: Before taking herbs or nutrition supplements, check with your doctor that these will not interfere with your Parkinson’s medication. What are the risks of alternative therapies or “cures”? Remember:
Read the following articles on the risks of alternative therapies or cures: |
Natural Therapies 
, you are well advised to put them under the microscope before making a decision! It is your health and wellbeing at stake, so be sure to do your research carefully.
(PDF File 39KB)
