HMS, HAG 2016 HSC 21

Using examples, describe the difference between alternative health therapies and complementary health therapies. (5 marks)

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Complementary health therapies

Such approaches are used alongside conventional medical treatments to enhance overall patient care. They work together with mainstream medicine to support healing and wellbeing.
Complementary therapies supplement standard medical care rather than replacing it entirely.
For example, a cancer patient might receive chemotherapy from their oncologist whilst also using acupuncture to manage treatment side effects. Massage therapy can complement physiotherapy treatment for muscle injuries. Meditation might be used alongside antidepressant medication for mental health conditions.

Alternative health therapies

These therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatments as the primary healthcare approach. They replace mainstream medical interventions completely rather than supporting them.
Patients choose alternative approaches as their sole treatment method for health conditions.
For example, someone might choose herbal remedies instead of prescribed antibiotics for infections. A person might select homeopathic treatments rather than conventional surgery for medical conditions. Naturopathic approaches might replace pharmaceutical medications entirely.

Key difference

The key difference is in how these therapies interact with conventional medicine.
Complementary approaches enhance traditional treatment whilst alternative approaches replace conventional care completely.

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Complementary health therapies

Such approaches are used alongside conventional medical treatments to enhance overall patient care. They work together with mainstream medicine to support healing and wellbeing.
Complementary therapies supplement standard medical care rather than replacing it entirely.
For example, a cancer patient might receive chemotherapy from their oncologist whilst also using acupuncture to manage treatment side effects. Massage therapy can complement physiotherapy treatment for muscle injuries. Meditation might be used alongside antidepressant medication for mental health conditions.

Alternative health therapies

These therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatments as the primary healthcare approach. They replace mainstream medical interventions completely rather than supporting them.
Patients choose alternative approaches as their sole treatment method for health conditions.
For example, someone might choose herbal remedies instead of prescribed antibiotics for infections. A person might select homeopathic treatments rather than conventional surgery for medical conditions. Naturopathic approaches might replace pharmaceutical medications entirely.

Key difference

The key difference is in how these therapies interact with conventional medicine.
Complementary approaches enhance traditional treatment whilst alternative approaches replace conventional care completely.

♦♦ Mean mark 48%.