Chronic diseases are a growing challenge in the world, with millions of people grappling with conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. For example, around 38 million Americans have diabetes, which is about 1 in 10 people, according to the CDC. Most of these individuals (about 90% to 95%) have type 2 diabetes. These numbers continue to grow despite the widespread use of prescription medications.
Medication remains essential in many treatment plans, but it often falls short of addressing the full scope of a patient’s needs. Side effects, rising costs, and the inability to improve overall well-being are some of the key concerns. This has led to a shift in how people approach long-term disease management.
More people are turning to complementary therapies that work alongside conventional medicine. Together with standard treatments, they help reduce discomfort, improve daily life, and support long-term health goals.
What Are Complementary Therapies?
Complementary therapies refer to various treatments used alongside conventional medical practices to improve health outcomes. These therapies are not meant to replace standard medical care but are designed to complement it. For example, someone with arthritis may use acupuncture alongside prescribed medications to help manage pain.
A study by the NCCIH found shocking stats on the growing acceptance and usage of these therapies in the U.S.
- Yoga grew from 5% to 15.8%.
- Meditation became the top choice, rising from 7.5% to 17.3%.
- Massage therapy also saw a noticeable rise (exact percentage not provided).
- Acupuncture, now more often covered by insurance, increased from 1% to 2.2%.
- Among adults using any of these methods, those who used them for pain relief rose from 42.3% to 49.2%.
Patients are increasingly turning to complementary therapies for a variety of reasons. They are looking for treatment options that take a whole-body approach to health. These therapies provide opportunities for patients to feel more involved in their health journey, giving them greater control over their treatment.
Popular Therapies Supporting Chronic Illness Management
Below are some common complementary therapies supporting chronic illness management.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that uses fine needles placed at targeted areas of the body to support healing processes. It is particularly effective for conditions such as arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and hypertension-related stress. A study in BMC underscores that acupressure at the Qiu point (pressing on a specific spot) can help reduce pain for patients.
People who received this acupressure reported feeling more satisfied with their treatment experience. Many patients with chronic conditions turn to acupuncture to provide relief when conventional treatments are not enough.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy focuses on a holistic approach to health, using natural therapies. This may include herbal remedies, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to support the body’s healing ability. For patients managing chronic conditions, naturopathy provides a complementary route alongside traditional treatments.
A study published in ResearchGate shows that different natural therapies used together can help manage blood pressure effectively. Using a mix of therapies in naturopathy centers is a dependable way to reduce weight and control blood pressure. These treatments focus on fixing unhealthy lifestyle habits, which play a big role in managing conditions caused by modern lifestyles.
Mind–Body Practices
Mind-body practices like yoga, meditation, and tai chi have become central to the management of chronic illnesses. These practices are particularly used in reducing inflammation, improving flexibility, and managing pain.
Mind-body practices are known to have positive effects on conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, and stress-related illnesses. A study published in PubMed highlights that compared to regular exercise programs, mind–body exercises offer better results for type 2 diabetes patients. They are especially helpful in improving cardiometabolic risk factors (like blood sugar, weight, and heart health).
The Role of Integrated Care Teams in Chronic Disease Support
Chronic disease management today requires a collaborative approach, bringing together experts from multiple disciplines to provide comprehensive care. Integrated care teams, composed of doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, work in harmony to address the complex needs of individuals. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are considered.
Integrated care teams can offer unified support across various areas of chronic disease management. For example, pharmacists can ensure patients are following their treatment regimens effectively. They can also assess potential drug interactions and side effects, ensuring that patients avoid unnecessary complications.
Nevertheless, the growing complexity of chronic illness care is leading to a shortage of pharmacists. Pharmacy Times highlights that there were 17,405 applicants to pharmacy schools in 2011. By 2022, that number fell to 11,227, a decline of more than 35%. However, the current pharmacist job outlook seems positive.
The University of Findlay highlights that the career graph of pharmacists is highly encouraging. The employment rate is expected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032. As healthcare systems pivot toward team-based models, pharmacists are moving beyond the pharmacy counter.
Ultimately, integrated care teams provide a level of coordination and continuity of care that significantly improves patient outcomes. This approach reduces the risk of complications and enhances the quality of life for patients. It ensures that chronic disease management is effective and sustainable over the long term.
Why Patients Are Turning to Complementary Therapies
The increasing use of complementary therapies in chronic disease management reflects a shift in patient preferences and attitudes toward healthcare. While conventional treatments have their place, many patients are seeking alternative options that offer greater benefits and fewer risks.
One of the primary reasons patients are turning to complementary therapies is the side effects associated with long-term medication use. According to the British Heart Foundation, people who take many medications, especially older adults, have a higher risk of side effects.
A study revealed that over the six years, about one in four people (25%) experienced at least one side effect. Fortunately, 90% of the reported side effects were mild, while eight individuals had side effects serious enough to require hospitalization.
Many chronic conditions require ongoing medication, which can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects. For example, patients with diabetes may experience weight gain, digestive issues, or fatigue from their medications. The desire to minimize or avoid these side effects has led many to explore complementary treatments, such as acupuncture and nutritional changes.
Patients are also becoming more proactive about their health, seeking treatments that manage symptoms and promote overall wellness. Complementary therapies, such as yoga, meditation, and nutritional therapy, focus on supporting the body’s natural healing processes. These therapies align with a more preventative approach to healthcare.
FAQs
What are chronic disease management programs?
Chronic disease management programs are coordinated healthcare strategies designed to help individuals manage long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. These programs focus on regular monitoring, education, lifestyle changes, and medication adherence to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.
When are complementary therapies used?
Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medical treatments to support overall well-being, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. They are often applied in managing chronic illnesses, pain, stress, or side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, enhancing physical and emotional health.
What is the basic principle of complementary therapy?
The basic principle of complementary therapy is to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just the symptoms. It aims to support the body’s natural healing processes, promote balance, and enhance well-being alongside conventional medical care.
Managing chronic illness is about whole-person care rather than medications. With more patients seeking safer, personalized, and proactive ways to feel better, complementary therapies are becoming essential parts of the solution. These approaches offer lasting support that helps individuals take control of their health without relying solely on conventional treatments.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, combining modern medicine with time-tested holistic approaches offers a more sustainable path to long-term wellness.
