Complementary therapies

While complementary therapies are not a substitute for clinical care, some people find they help with wellbeing or with managing symptoms like pain or stress.

Complementary therapies are usually not available on the NHS and are mostly accessed privately or through local charities and support groups. We cannot recommend specific complementary therapies, but we include some examples to help you explore options.

Costs vary and some therapies may be expensive. You could check with local charities, support groups, or your healthcare team for information on any funding, discounts, or free options in your area. If you have private health insurance, some complementary therapies may be claimable if the therapist is suitably qualified and registered, depending on your policy.

Before starting any complementary therapy, make sure it’s safe and suitable for your specific muscle wasting condition and needs:

• Talk to your GP, specialist, or healthcare team first. Some therapies are not safe for everyone, especially if you have heart, lung, or metabolic problems, or take certain medication.
• Talk to the therapist before you start. Ask if they have worked with people who have muscle wasting or neurological conditions. You may need to explain your condition and how it affects you. Make sure they are willing to adapt the therapy to suit your needs, and check that their therapy space is accessible for you.
• Start slowly and listen to your body. What works for one person may not work for another, even with the same diagnosis.
• Tell your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms

Complementary therapies can support your wellbeing and should always be used with your medical care, not instead of it.

These therapies focus on the connection between your mind and body to help with relaxation and mental wellbeing.

Mindfulness and meditation are supported by growing evidence, especially for managing anxiety, low mood, and stress. Regular practice may be helpful for some people living with muscle wasting conditions.

Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can help you focus your mind and feel calmer. Mindfulness means paying careful attention to your thoughts, feelings, and body without judging them. Meditation is a way to practice mindfulness, often sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing.

Possible benefits:

• Helps manage feelings of anxiety, depression, and emotional challenges
• Improves sleep quality
• Supports positive ways to cope with your condition

You can practice at home or join groups. You can learn mindfulness through books and apps too. Try to practice regularly to get the best results.

These therapies involve hands-on techniques to relax muscles, improve circulation, and promote overall wellbeing through physical touch.

Some touch-based therapies are supported by research for reducing pain or improving relaxation. Others have less evidence, but many people still find them helpful.

Massage therapy

A trained therapist uses their hands or tools to gently work on your muscles and soft tissues.

There are varying types of massage therapy. If your muscles are fragile or painful, avoid deep tissue massage as it may be too intense and cause discomfort.

Possible benefits:

• Helps reduce muscle tightness and stiffness
• May help improve range of motion
• Improves blood flow to muscles, which may support muscle health
• Eases pain and discomfort
• Promotes relaxation, lifts mood and lowers anxiety

Indian Head Massage

A trained therapist uses their hands to apply gentle pressure and movements on your head, scalp, face, neck, shoulders and upper back. It comes from Ayurveda, a traditional Indian approach to health that considers the mind, body, and spirit.

Oils are often used on the skin and hair during this massage, but you can ask to stay fully clothed and have the massage without oils if you prefer.

Possible benefits:

• Relieves muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders
• May ease headaches
• Promotes relaxation and restful sleep
• May help improve mood and reduce stress
• Promotes relaxation, lifts mood and lowers anxiety

Reflexology

A therapist applies pressure to specific points on your feet, which are believed to be linked to different parts of your body. Some therapists may also work on the hands, ears, or face.

Reflexology is based on the idea that stimulating these points can help improve balance in the body and support overall wellbeing.

Possible benefits:

• Promotes relaxation
• Helps reduce stress and tension
• May improve sleep
• May lift mood and support emotional wellbeing

These therapies involve gentle physical activity to support your mobility, flexibility and overall wellbeing.

Some movement-based therapies like yoga and Tai Chi have shown benefits for balance, flexibility, and mood. However, research in people with muscle wasting conditions is still limited.

Yoga and gentle stretching

Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.

Possible benefits:

• Improves flexibility, muscle tone, and balance
• Helps with breathing and posture
• Reduces stress and promotes mental wellbeing

If you have balance issues or limited mobility, you may want to try chair-based yoga. Always move within your limits and stop if you feel discomfort.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a gentle exercise with slow, flowing movements and deep breathing adapted to your abilities.

Possible benefits:

• Improves balance, flexibility, and muscle control
• Supports relaxation and mental focus
• May reduce stress and improve wellbeing

These therapies are based on traditional ideas of energy flow in the body.

There is little scientific evidence to support how energy-based therapies work. Some people still find them calming and useful for relaxation or stress relief.

Reiki

Reiki (pronounced ’ray-key’) is a Japanese word meaning ‘universal life energy’. It is a gentle therapy that aims to help you feel calmer and more peaceful.

During a Reiki session, the practitioner gently places their hands on or just above your body. There is no massage or manipulation of the body. You stay fully clothed the whole time. Reiki can be done on your whole body or just one part, and sometimes it can even be done from a distance.

Possible benefits:

• May help you feel deeply relaxed
• Can promote a calm and peaceful feeling

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment where very thin needles are gently placed at specific points on your body. It’s often based on traditional Chinese or Japanese approaches, which are considered complementary therapies. There are also some types of acupuncture that do not use needles at all.

Possible benefits:

• May ease pain and muscle spasms
• Can help you relax and improve sleep
• Some people feel more energetic and in a better mood after treatment

Always choose a licensed practitioner. If you have bleeding problems or take blood-thinning medication, speak to your doctor before trying acupuncture.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the controlled, therapeutic use of natural essential oils extracted from plants to help improve how you feel physically and emotionally. These oils can be used in different ways, like in massages, baths, or creams.

Possible benefits:

• Helps you relax and improve your mood
• May help reduce pain when used with massage

If you want to try aromatherapy, it is important to only use essential oils under the guidance of a qualified Aromatherapist. Medication, medical conditions, and allergies all need to be considered to keep you safe.

Evidence for aromatherapy is limited, but some people find it helps with relaxation and mood — especially when used with massage.

These therapies use plants or natural substances to support your health.

Nutritional supplements

You may hear about supplements like Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or creatine, which are sometimes suggested to support muscle strength or energy. The evidence for their benefits is limited and mixed.

Supplements are not suitable for everyone. Their safety and effectiveness can vary depending on your muscle wasting condition and overall health. Always speak to your healthcare team or GP before trying any supplements.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is a substance naturally found in your body that helps produce energy. Some small studies suggest it may reduce fatigue or support muscle function in certain conditions, but more research is needed.

Creatine: Creatine is found in muscles and helps them produce energy. Research in some types of muscle wasting conditions suggests it might slightly improve strength, especially when combined with exercise. A low and carefully monitored dose is important, and you should always speak to your doctor before taking it.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine uses plants or plant extracts, such as teas, capsules, or creams, to help with symptoms or general wellbeing. These can affect your body and may cause harm if not used correctly.

It’s very important that you talk to your healthcare team before trying herbal medicines. Some herbs can interact with medications or cause side effects. You may wish to speak to a qualified medical herbalist, who can advise on safe and appropriate use.

Some herbs, like turmeric or ginger, are thought to help reduce inflammation or ease muscle pain. Others, such as ginseng or ashwagandha, are sometimes used to support energy levels. Herbs like valerian root or chamomile are linked to relaxation and sleep.

Herbal medicines are not regulated like prescription drugs, so their safety and effectiveness can vary. For more detailed information, see the NHS herbal medicines page.

Complementary therapies are not a replacement for medical treatment. Always talk to your healthcare team before trying a new therapy. Make sure the therapist is qualified and registered.