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Scott JG, Cohen D, Dicicco-Bloom B, et al. Understanding healing relationships in primary care. Ann Fam Med. 2008 Jul-Aug;6(4):315-22. PMID: 18626031

Healing relationships have not received a lot of attention in the published literature on primary care, considering they’ve been posited as an explanation of the large placebo effect observed in clinical trials. This theoretical model offers insights on a critical aspect of therapy.

From the discussion: 

"The interviews showed that both patients and clinicians had a common understanding of the nature of healing. Healing meant being cured when possible, reducing suffering when cure was not possible, and finding meaning beyond the illness experience."

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine integrative medicine

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Little P, Lewith G, Webley F, et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. BMJ. 2008 Aug 19;337:a884. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a884. PMID: 18713809

Instructors from the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique teamed with researchers at the University of Southampton and University of Bristol to study the effectiveness of Alexander lessons - given along with massage therapy, exercise prescription, and behavioral counseling - for patients with chronic and recurrent back pain.

From the discussion: 

"A series of 24 lessons in the Alexander technique taught by registered teachers provides long term benefits for patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain. Both six lessons in the Alexander technique and general practitioner prescription for aerobic exercise with structured behavioural counselling by a practice nurse were helpful in the long term; classic massage provided short term benefit. Six lessons in the Alexander technique followed by exercise prescription was almost as effective as 24 lessons."

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine integrative medicine back pain

Comments and Links Appreciated!