The Complete Guide to Alternative Treatments for Seniors
Learn everything you need to know about alternative treatments with our in-depth guide.
Intro
Since there are countless alternative treatments available, you may have questions about how to find the right one, and how it might interact with your prescription medications.
To help you educate yourself and make an informed decision about the course of action right for you, we put together a guide to alternative treatments for Florida seniors.
Are Seniors Really Turning to Alternative Treatments?
Many seniors are turning to natural and holistic options to help with painful conditions that may not respond to prescription medications. For example, arthritis, chronic pain and insomnia are all common in seniors, and many of the medications typically prescribed for these conditions have significant side effects.
Alternative medicine can be a safe option, as long as you work with an experienced doctor who understands complementary and integrative medicine.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to using unconventional or nontraditional options to treat health conditions. Alternative medical practitioners typically seek to strike a balance between a patient’s conventional treatments and complementary, integrative, functional and holistic approaches. Common alternative treatment methods include:
- Natural supplements.
- Plant Based Medicine.
- Meditation.
- Yoga.
- Massage.
- Tai Chi.
- Acupuncture.
Working with a physician familiar with holistic health options can ensure that the natural options you choose are compatible with your prescription medications.
What Conditions Can Complementary Medicine Treat?
Alternative treatments offer medical benefits for a wide range of conditions. Common conditions include:
These are just some of the medical conditions that alternative medicine can help alleviate. An experienced integrative medicine practitioner can review your medical records and assist you in determining which options are right for you.
What Should I Expect at an Appointment for Alternative Medicine?
The first thing that you should expect at any doctor’s appointment is a professional environment, which includes physicians experienced with alternative and complementary medicine. A high-quality practice will have staff members available to greet you and make you feel welcome. A typical appointment includes:
1. Filling out intake paperwork. Although paperwork can be tedious, it is important to ensure your doctor has your most up-to-date information. This paperwork gives your doctor a full understanding of your medical needs and concerns.
2. A review of your medical records and medications. Your doctor and/or staff member will review your medical records and current medications.
3.Time with your doctor. A professional practice will give you ample time with your doctor to ask questions and get answers regarding your concerns around alternative treatments.
4. A treatment plan. After talking with you and learning about your needs and concerns, your doctor will recommend a custom treatment plan.
5. Next steps. Once you have a treatment plan, your doctor’s office will advise you on how to start your alternative treatment regimen.
Professional, Compassionate Medical Marijuana Care
To ensure you receive competent, professional care, it is essential to choose your alternative medicine practitioner carefully. Many Florida seniors in the Sarasota area are turning to Dr. Daniel P. Stein for advice and recommendations.
Dr. Stein is a board-certified physician with more than 26 years of practice experience. His background in neurology gives him unique insights into the benefits of alternative treatments and how they interact with the brain. Dr. Stein completed his fellowship at the National Institute of Health and Immunology of Neuromuscular Disease and was a resident at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. His medical internship was at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland.
