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Release date 07/21/2011
YONKERS, NY — A new reader survey published in the September issue of Consumer Reports and available online at www.ConsumerReportshealth.org finds that three of four adults use some form of alternative therapy for general health. Readers rated prescription drugs as helping the most for the majority of 12 health problems, but chiropractic, deep-tissue massage, and yoga, dominated the lists of helpful alternative treatments for discomfort from conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. The survey also suggests that meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and yoga, are being used to treat a range of conditions including anxiety, headache and migraine, depression, and insomnia.
The report indicates that doctors are more open to alternative therapies than most people assume.
Some highlights from the report:
The report includes a brief user’s guide for hands-on and mind-body therapy with an assessment of the evidence. People who decide to try alternative treatments should talk to their physician first to set realistic expectations for improvement. Many insurers cover acupuncture and chiropractic, and some offer discounts for other treatments. In addition, some treatments might qualify for reimbursement from a consumer’s flexible spending or health savings account. Consumers should check with their plans for details. Some guidance on finding a practitioner:
Acupuncture and acupressure. Contact the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (www.medicalacupuncture.org) or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.nccaom.org).
Chriropractic. Contact the American Chiropractic Association (www.acatoday.org)
Massage. Contact the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org).
Meditation. For stress-management programs, check local hospitals and nearby medical schools. Or teach yourself with a book or audiotape. The Meditation Society of America posts free instructional information at www.meditationsociety.com.
Yoga. Contact your local yoga studio or fitness center. Information about yoga therapists can be found at the International Association of Yoga Therapists at www.iayt.org.
Survey Methodology
The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a survey of readers as part of its Spring 2010 Annual Questionnaire. A total of 45,601 Consumer Reports subscribers answered questions on their use of alternative treatments. A total of 30,332 survey respondents gave CR their perceptions of the helpfulness of treatments for the 12 medical conditions reviewed in the story. Consumer Reports subscribers might not be representative of the general population.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2011 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2011 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.