Objective: The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence and patterns of use of alternative therapies and effectiveness in a rehabilitation medicine outpatient practice.
Method: This study was performed that a random sample of 200 patients of rehabilitation outpatient were given a questionnaire addressing their use of alternative therapies.
Results: One or more alternative therapies had been used by 51.3% of subjects for their presenting problem. The most common therapies were acupuncture, oriental medicine, chiropractic and massage. Musculoskeletal pain syndrome involving the low back and shoulder were the most common problems of use of alternative therapies. Of the patients who used alternative treatments, 40.2% reported some degree of efficacy.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of rehabilitation outpatients use alternative therapies and frequently perceived a benefit from them. Incorporating alternative therapies into physiatric practice is a desirable future direction for the speciality.
