8 Complementary Therapies to Try for Psoriatic Arthritis
When you have psoriatic arthritis, following the treatment plan as prescribed is crucial for slowing the progression of the disease and easing symptoms. Adding complementary therapies to the overall psoriatic arthritis treatment plan can bring even further relief.
Complementary therapies go by many names, such as functional medicine, integrative medicine, and naturopathy. They’re meant to support an overall psoriatic management plan, not to replace conventional treatment.
From herbal supplements to meditation, many complementary therapies are touted for easing psoriatic arthritis symptoms. But not all come with evidence to back up these claims.
Before starting any new complementary therapy, be sure to check with your doctor. “As long as it’s safe and provides a clear benefit in pain, stiffness, or other symptoms, complementary therapies are reasonable to try and to continue,” says Robert H. Schmerling, MD, a corresponding faculty member in medicine at Harvard Medical School and senior faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing in Boston.
Not sure where to begin? The following therapies come with medical evidence of their effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis:
Physical therapy can be helpful for psoriatic arthritis. A physical therapist can help you improve mobility, range of motion, and strength without pain. They can also fit you with a hand or wrist splint to support your joints when symptoms flare up.
Occupational therapy can help you find ways to make daily activities less painful. An occupational therapist can help you organize your home and work and suggest tools to make tasks easier without taxing your joints.
Massage can help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis and promote relaxation, according to current treatment guidelines. Be sure to tell your massage therapist that you have psoriatic arthritis. If you have any spinal fusion, ask them to be extra cautious around your spine to avoid injury or worsening symptoms. If you also have psoriasis-related skin symptoms, ask the massage therapist to avoid scented lotions and oils to prevent skin irritation — or bring your own.
Hot and cold therapy can be useful when joint pain flares up. Taking a warm bath can help soothe achy joints. Applying an ice pack covered in a towel to the affected joints can help reduce swelling. You can even alternate between hot and cold as needed.
Acupuncture is another therapy you can try to help ease psoriatic arthritis symptoms. One case study found that acupuncture may help increase range of motion and reduce joint swelling and stiffness when used with other complementary therapies.
Anti-inflammatory foods can be beneficial for people with different forms of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis. Following a Mediterranean-style diet focused on fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is often recommended. Research shows that an anti-inflammatory diet can also help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis.
Regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and pain, as well as strengthen the muscles around your joints. Try low-impact activities, such as walking, cycling, swimming, tai chi, or yoga.
Meditation has not been shown to help psoriatic arthritis specifically. That said, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga can help you manage stress, a known psoriatic arthritis trigger.
Two complementary therapies that do not have enough evidence to recommend them for psoriatic arthritis relief are:
Supplements: Some dietary supplements have been studied for psoriatic arthritis, but more research is needed before they can be recommended.
CBD: While cannabidiol is a popular complementary therapy for pain, there aren’t enough studies in people with arthritis to confirm whether or not CBD truly helps — and at what dosage.
Again, check with your doctor before trying any complementary therapies for psoriatic arthritis — or any health condition. “In general, physical or cognitive interventions such as yoga or meditation are not going to interfere with other therapies,” says Dr. Schmerling. “But for any systemic treatment, including vitamins or supplements, interactions with medical therapy is an important consideration.”
Following the treatment plan prescribed to you is the main way to keep psoriatic arthritis symptoms at bay. But adding certain complementary therapies may help you further manage symptoms.
Consider trying approaches such as acupuncture, exercise, and meditation for optimal relief from psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Always discuss complementary therapies with your healthcare team beforehand to ensure they fit safely into the overall treatment plan.
