Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies can be
useful, but require further training
by practitioners before they are
used. Acupuncture and acupressure
involve the application of needles or
pressure to specific points. They have
been used to provide pain relief and
improved function (British Geriatric
Society, 2013) and are available
from some NHS pain clinics and
physiotherapists.
Aromatherapy and reflexology use
essential oils and are combined with
the effects of massage. However, they
do not appear to be widely available
from NHS centres and, along with
many other complementary therapies,
can incur a cost for the patient.
These therapies do provide
pain relief and help some patients.
Community nurses should
recommend that patients check the
qualifications of complementary
therapists and, if possible, obtain
recommendations from other patients
before attending their clinics.