Complementary and alternative medicine interventions for the orthopedic patient: a review of the literature

New branches of established disciplines are continually being developed to help patients with chronic orthopedic ailments. What is thought to be conventional treatment varies between countries and changes over time. Therefore the boundary between complementary and conventional medicine remains blurred and constantly shifting. This article reviews the most frequently used CAM interventions for the orthopedic population and will include the use of massage, acupuncture, herbal medication, nutrition, chiropractic, osteopathy, Shiatsu, prayer/spirituality, visualization, hypnosis, relaxation, biofeedback, and various forms of exercise (eg, Feldenkrais method, tai chi, and yoga).