Healthcare is undergoing a significant shift as more than one-third of American adults are now incorporating alternative therapies into their medical care. According to a recent study published in JAMA, 37 percent of adult pain patients utilized nontraditional medical care in 2022, a substantial increase from 19 percent in 2002.

This shift has been attributed to several factors, including the growing reimbursement for clinical alternatives by insurance companies, an increase in scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these therapies, and a growing acceptance among patients. Richard Nahin, an epidemiologist at the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health, stated that these alternative therapies have become ingrained in the culture of the United States, being utilized for general wellness, stress management, sleep, energy, and immune health.

One notable trend is the use of yoga for pain management, which saw a significant rise from 11 percent in 2002 to 29 percent in 2022. Dr. Nahin suggested that this increase may be linked to patients seeking alternatives to opiates, as well as the influence of media and social media in promoting these alternative therapies.

The widespread adoption of alternative therapies reflects a broader shift in healthcare practices, with more individuals exploring nontraditional approaches to address their medical needs. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, the integration of alternative therapies alongside conventional medical care is becoming increasingly prevalent.