KEY ISSUES:
Complementary & integrative therapies
The issue
Examples of complementary and integrative therapies include acupuncture, massage, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback and much more. Complementary and integrative therapies may have fewer side effects and long-term risks than other conventional treatment options.
The problem
Insurers typically don’t cover the costs of complementary and integrative therapies, forcing patients to pay out of pocket or forego treatments that would be otherwise beneficial.
Our position
U.S. Pain Foundation supports integrative and complementary therapy as a valuable addition to the conventional chronic pain management plan. They should be both accessible and affordable to patients who would benefit from them. Read our full position statement here.