Complementary and alternative therapies: what is their place in the management of chronic pain?

Complementary therapies are becoming an accepted part of Western health care. For many years, nurses have included a number of complementary therapies as adjunctive therapies to manage chronic pain. A growing body of research, particularly research by nurses, is providing a scientific basis for the use of complementary therapies such as music, healing touch, and prayer. This article describes selected therapies nurses use to manage chronic pain.