If you're over 25, play sport, and all your limbs are still attached, you're doing well - but chances that you have the odd ache or pain are pretty high.
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In the quest for youth, vitality and eternal life - or just a bit of relief from the neck injury you gave yourself in your sleep - most people turn to some kind of alternative health guru.
Be it a masseuse, chiropractor or naturopath, once people have found their personal niggling-injury saviour they follow them with a zeal usually reserved for serious religion, or coffee.
If you've ever tried to tell your best mate that their healing-aura psychic might be a very expensive charlatan, you know how difficult it can be to have any kind of sensible conversation about alternative treatments.
For the facts about some of the most popular choices, read on.
Chiropractic treatment is the physical manipulation of joints (usually in the spine) to manage joint or back problems and pain.Some chiropractors believe that joint misalignment is the cause of a variety of conditions, such as asthma. This belief is not supported by scientific evidence.
There is evidence that chiropractic treatment may be helpful in treating some types of back pain, some types of headache, and managing osteoarthritic pain in knees, hips and shoulders.
The World Health Organisation says chiropractic care is safe when conducted skillfully and appropriately. It is not recommended for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, people with unstable joints or osteoporosis. Rarely, spinal manipulation can cause permanent disability or death. 26 deaths worldwide have been attributed to chiropractic worldwide since 1934.
Chiropractors in Australia are required to undertake five years of university study, although degrees differ.
Massage is the manipulation of soft tissues for the management of stress or pain.
The use of massage in temporarily reducing pain, depression and anxiety is well supported. Massage has also been showed to enhance recovery from physical activity and reduce post-activity muscle soreness. Regular massage may reduce susceptibility to anxiety and depression - some studies indicate weekly massage may reduce anxiety by up to 50 per cent.
Risks include bruising, nerve damage, the aggravation of existing injuries or chronic conditions. Massage is not recommended for people with breaks or fractures in the target area.
A qualification is not required to provide massage in Australia - however, to be eligible as a health fund provider a masseuse must hold an accredited qualification such as a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice or Diploma of Remedial Massage. These qualifications can only be provided by a Registered Training Organisation, such as TAFE or private college.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into the body. It is usually used with the aim of treating or managing pain.
Studies into the effectiveness of acupuncture have mixed results - it is not generally considered to be an effective form of long-term pain management, but may provide short-term relief for some types of pain, such as chronic lower back pain.
Acupuncture is generally low-risk - however, there is a risk of infection if the practitioner does not use sterile, single use needles.
Acupuncturists are required to undertake four years of study in related fields and register with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.
Reiki is also called "energy healing". The belief is the practitioner transfers energy through their palms into the patient to encourage physical or emotional healing.
There is little evidence to support the idea that reiki is successful in treating physical or mental health disorders.
There are very low safety concerns associated with reiki. The biggest concern is that patients may not seek medical advice for health issues while they are undergoing reiki treatments.
There are no legal requirements for qualifications to practice reiki in Australia. Courses can be undertaken through Registered Training Organisations.
Naturopathy is based on a belief that the body is able to heal itself "naturally". Practitioners focus on holistic changes to diet and lifestyle, as well as prescribing treatments such as homeopathic remedies, massage, hydrotherapy and herbs.
Naturopathy has been largely rejected by the medical and scientific communities. Naturopathy is not subsidised in Australia, from 2017, as the government determined it was "lacking in evidence".
Naturopaths may prescribe diet and lifestyle advice which is unsafe - the death of a child in Australia in 2018 was attributed to following the advie of a naturopath. Additionally, naturopaths may advise patients not to follow medical advice, such as immunisation for childhood diseases. It is recommended that people who use naturopathy do so in consultation with their GP.
Anyone wishing to be accredited by the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) is required to have complete a course that is recognised by ANTA. This may be anything from an advanced diploma in naturopathy or health sciences, or a bachelors degree.
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