At Intermountain, we believe that extraordinary care extends beyond traditional exam rooms and hospital settings. Intermountain’s integrated health system and experienced team of providers can help develop a treatment plan that includes alternative therapy options such as biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, meditation and other therapies that can assist you with chronic pain. These choices may also help to strengthen the body and mind, and help you to live the healthiest life possible.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment option that some find helpful with chronic pain conditions especially headaches, low back pain, neck pain and knee pain and there are few complications. Small needles are inserted into the skin and are manipulated with electrical stimulation or with the hands of the caregiver. Acupuncture has been practiced by many Asian countries for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese medicine; however, there is controversy in America over its value as a therapy. Discuss these options with your health care provider if you are considering any of these treatment options.
Biofeedback
Biofeeback is a technique that can help you learn to control pain. You are able to monitor changes in your body such as pain and muscle tension when you receive information through sensors attached to your skin. It is a tool that can be used to help control pain and tension over time. Biofeedback is frequently used to treat, or even prevent, conditions such as headaches, high blood pressure or hypertension, overactive bladder, and other types of chronic pain or discomfort.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors focus on treating spinal alignment to help alleviate pain, particularly headaches, neck or back pain, and joint conditions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a common type of psychotherapy, involving an experienced therapist to explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may be impacting your pain. Therapists can help you identify unhealthy patterns, and guide you to develop better patterns of thought to live a healthier, happier life.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is typically performed by licensed therapists that work on the muscles and tissues using different techniques including rubbing, deep circular motions, long strokes and vibration to help you feel better. There has been much research on the benefits of massage therapy for different conditions; however much of the evidence shows only a short term benefit.
Meditation
Meditation encourages you to clear your mind of distracting or stressful thoughts, allowing you to experience relaxation and clarity. Used for centuries, meditation can be recommended to increase calmness, balance, and improve overall wellbeing.
For a list of LiVe Well Meditation CDs, visit the Intermountain Employee Assistance Program website.
Yoga
Yoga combines meditative breathing, stretches and poses, and relaxation techniques to minimize pain or soreness, reduce blood pressure, and even help manage stress and anxiety. There are a variety of types of yoga, with differing levels of intensity. Yoga is generally low impact and easy on the body, making it a popular form of exercise.
Learn More ...
To learn more about complementary treatments and therapies, talk to your healthcare provider. For more information on national research surrounding complementary treatments and therapies, please refer to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website.
© 2018 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.