Member May 2026: Alternative Pain Medicine - Member May

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This session was an informal discussion among clinicians about alternative, complementary, and lifestyle-based approaches to pain management. Participants shared how they integrate acupuncture, massage, yoga, slow breathing, meditation, lifestyle medicine, shared medical appointments, and brain reprocessing therapy into care for chronic pain patients. Several emphasized tailoring treatment to patient population, insurance limitations, and practical affordability, including low-cost acupuncture and simple home-based relaxation tools.<br /><br />The group also discussed the challenges of working within workers’ compensation systems, where mental health care and behavioral approaches are often poorly supported despite their importance in chronic pain. Group medical visits and community-based programming were highlighted as promising ways to improve education, reimbursement, and patient engagement.<br /><br />A major topic was supplements and herbal medicine. Participants expressed caution about the supplement industry’s poor regulation, but supported selective use of evidence-based nutrients like vitamin D and B12. One speaker framed turmeric and herbs as part of culinary medicine rather than standalone cures. The conversation also touched on GLP-1 medications, precision medicine, pharmacogenomics, and genetic testing.<br /><br />Finally, attendees discussed upcoming ACLM and AAPMNR meetings in Orlando, potential collaboration with related groups, and ideas for future presentations on phytotherapy, medical cannabis, prehabilitation, and group visits.

Keywords

chronic pain management

integrative medicine

acupuncture

massage therapy

yoga and meditation

lifestyle medicine

supplements and herbal medicine

workers' compensation

group medical visits