Executive Summary
Complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) is the use of non-traditional medicine for various ailments and
populations. Complementary medicine is in conjunction with conventional
medicine, while alternative medicine is in place of conventional medicine. CAM
consists of “a group of diverse
medical and healthcare systems practices and products that are not presently
considered to be a part of conventional medicine” (NCCAM, 2008). There are five
main domains pertaining to complementary and alternative medicine: alternative
medical systems, mind-body interventions, biologically based treatments,
manipulative and body based methods, and energy therapies. Under these five
main domains there are numerous different CAM modalities. The most commonly
used CAM therapies are: natural products, deep breathing, meditation,
chiropractic/osteopathic, massage, yoga, diet-based therapies, progressive
relaxation, guided imagery, and homeopathic treatment.
Complementary and alternative medicine is used by a wide variety of practitioners, including physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Different CAM techniques are practiced on clients across the lifespan, ranging from children to older adults. However, CAM is most widely used by those in the 40-69 age group. Most individuals seek complementary and alternative medicine when they are experiencing back/neck pain, a head/chest cold, anxiety, stress, musculoskeletal issues, ADHD, and/or insomnia.
As stated above, complementary and alternative medicine is occasionally used by occupational therapists. The use of CAM in OT practice can be an effective tool to accomplish therapeutic goals amongst a wide range of clients and can be practiced in a wide range of settings. Complementary and alternative medicine provides occupational therapists with innovative techniques to help their clients participate in their daily occupations. Occupational therapists are also able to manipulate CAM modalities to fit their client, making the therapy more client-centered. Therefore it is important for occupational therapists to be knowledgeable about CAM modalities. Occupational Therapists must also adhere to the federal and local policies concerning the use of CAM. Local policies regarding the practice of CAM are currently not clearly defined. Individual states have the authority to regulate CAM practices and license CAM practitioners. Therefore, the local policies vary from state to state. In regards to federal policies, occupational therapists must adhere to the federal, state, and local requirements and regulations. Federal policies also revolve around making sure that if the occupational therapist is practicing a CAM modality, that it is within their scope of practice. Currently, the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine are proposing that there be a centrally located federal CAM office in order to properly standardize CAM on the federal level. However, it may be difficult for occupational therapists to use CAM due to the fact that it is not evidence based. CAM is also not always covered by insurance and there is no standard protocol in how to directly practice CAM. Certain CAM modalities may also require occupational therapists to undergo additional training and certification before providing therapy, prolonging the therapy process.
The use of CAM on an individual level can enhance client-centeredness in therapy. On a community level, CAM can reach out to specific cultural communities or groups of people facing common challenges. For instance, families of individuals with Cerebral Palsy may create social networks in order to offer and receive support regarding the use of CAM in treatment, such as hippotherapy. On a societal level, CAM provides non-traditional methods that people may not be exposed to otherwise. It opens up therapeutic options that may be beyond their regional, cultural, and financial resources. Overall, CAM is a meaningful way to promote health and participation in life.
Complementary and alternative medicine is used by a wide variety of practitioners, including physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Different CAM techniques are practiced on clients across the lifespan, ranging from children to older adults. However, CAM is most widely used by those in the 40-69 age group. Most individuals seek complementary and alternative medicine when they are experiencing back/neck pain, a head/chest cold, anxiety, stress, musculoskeletal issues, ADHD, and/or insomnia.
As stated above, complementary and alternative medicine is occasionally used by occupational therapists. The use of CAM in OT practice can be an effective tool to accomplish therapeutic goals amongst a wide range of clients and can be practiced in a wide range of settings. Complementary and alternative medicine provides occupational therapists with innovative techniques to help their clients participate in their daily occupations. Occupational therapists are also able to manipulate CAM modalities to fit their client, making the therapy more client-centered. Therefore it is important for occupational therapists to be knowledgeable about CAM modalities. Occupational Therapists must also adhere to the federal and local policies concerning the use of CAM. Local policies regarding the practice of CAM are currently not clearly defined. Individual states have the authority to regulate CAM practices and license CAM practitioners. Therefore, the local policies vary from state to state. In regards to federal policies, occupational therapists must adhere to the federal, state, and local requirements and regulations. Federal policies also revolve around making sure that if the occupational therapist is practicing a CAM modality, that it is within their scope of practice. Currently, the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine are proposing that there be a centrally located federal CAM office in order to properly standardize CAM on the federal level. However, it may be difficult for occupational therapists to use CAM due to the fact that it is not evidence based. CAM is also not always covered by insurance and there is no standard protocol in how to directly practice CAM. Certain CAM modalities may also require occupational therapists to undergo additional training and certification before providing therapy, prolonging the therapy process.
The use of CAM on an individual level can enhance client-centeredness in therapy. On a community level, CAM can reach out to specific cultural communities or groups of people facing common challenges. For instance, families of individuals with Cerebral Palsy may create social networks in order to offer and receive support regarding the use of CAM in treatment, such as hippotherapy. On a societal level, CAM provides non-traditional methods that people may not be exposed to otherwise. It opens up therapeutic options that may be beyond their regional, cultural, and financial resources. Overall, CAM is a meaningful way to promote health and participation in life.