Posted on September 26, 2008 in Latest News
As everyone knows and even the name suggests that rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases generally affecting people between the age group of 30-60 yrs. It is mainly characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling and rarely joint destruction. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experience sever pain and difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
The cause of this painful auto-immune disease still remains a mystery and the treatment for this debilitating condition depends on painkillers and exercises. Even after following the conventional treatment most of the arthritic patients are not relieved from the pain. Hence it is observed that many chronic sufferers are now turning towards alternative and complementary methods of treatment.
According to the latest research study conducted by Bryan Bennett and colleagues of Bangor University, hypnotherapy and mental imagery can be helpful in alleviating arthritic pain. The research findings were presented at British Psychological Society’s Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference. This conference was held at the University of Bath from 9th to 12th September 2008.
The research study was conducted to observe the effect of hypnotherapy and various visualization techniques in alleviating arthritic pain. Researchers asked arthritis sufferers to imagine pain in the form of a person. After complete visualization they were asked to thank that person for letting them know that they are suffering from an auto-immune disease. Then the arthritic patients were told to ask that person to leave your body and to visualize that image going away from them gradually disappearing.
Researchers observed that hypnotherapy and visualization techniques were greatly effective and beneficial in relieving pain and fatigue resulted due to rheumatoid arthritis. Bryan Bennett said “all the participants were asked to identify what areas of their life were important to them but were negatively affected due to the RA. By doing so they were taking an active part in their own therapy. By employing the techniques they were taught, they were able to self-treat when necessary- allowing them to control their pain and enabling them to get on with enjoying life.”
From the above research study it is proven that besides traditional methods of treatment arthritic patients can rely on alternative treatments like hypnotherapy. You can get relief from chronic arthritic pain with the help of various alternative therapies. Instead of sticking to traditional methods look for other treatment options. You can ask you physician to suggest best alternative treatment best suited to your condition.
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October 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 am
[...] Since centuries massage therapy is being practiced because of its innumerous health benefits. Massage therapy is one of the effective alternative therapies relieving from severe arthritic pain, inflammation, stiff joints and rigid movements. Though massage therapy does not cure arthritis completely but it certainly alleviates the various arthritic symptoms. [...]
November 8th, 2008 at 11:37 am
[...] Myth 1: Rheumatoid arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis or regular arthritis. The fact is that RA is not similar to osteoarthritis or regular arthritis. Osteoarthritis is mainly caused due to wear and tear of aging joints and affects elderly people. Whereas RA is a progressive and chronic autoimmune disorder, bodily response attacking own tissues and joints. [...]