TITLE:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Approaches in Osteoarthritis: A Brief Academic Review
AUTHORS:
Ege Islatince
KEYWORDS:
Osteoarthritis Treatment, Alternative Medicine, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
28,
2025
ABSTRACT: Aim: This study aims to summarize the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, laser acupuncture, low-level laser therapy—LLLT/PBMT, moxibustion, TENS, and massage therapy) in the management of osteoarthritis (OA), and to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current evidence. Methods: A narrative synthesis was conducted using current clinical research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses regarding relevant methods. Key outcomes included pain intensity, functional capacity, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Results: Most CAM approaches report positive outcomes in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement, especially in the short-to-medium term. Laser acupuncture and LLLT/PBMT demonstrated significant effects on pain and function; acupuncture showed supportive benefits in OA; TENS contributed short-term analgesic effects with specific parameters and proper electrode placement; massage therapy positively affected pain and quality of life. Pharmacopuncture presented promising results with selected agents, while bee venom acupuncture (BVA) indicated signals of efficacy alongside risks for adverse events. Limitations: Many studies suffered from small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, lack of blinding, and short follow-up durations, limiting the strength of the evidence. Standardization of parameters (dose, frequency, number of sessions) and long-term outcomes remain insufficient. Conclusion: CAM approaches provide safe and viable options that complement pharmacological and rehabilitative methods in OA treatment. Nevertheless, high-quality, parameter-standardized, long-term randomized studies are needed to enhance clinical practice. Multidisciplinary and personalized integration has the potential to improve patient outcomes.