Medical treatment involves the use of medications, procedures and other healthcare practices to manage diseases or illnesses. It can also include interventions designed to improve quality of life or extend the lifespan of a person. A patient’s lifestyle, preferences and values are often incorporated into the decision-making process when choosing medical treatment options. A physician can help patients understand their choices and weigh risks and benefits to determine the best course of action for each situation.
A doctor can treat many health conditions with a variety of treatments, including medication, surgical procedures and physical therapy. Medications are an important part of any treatment plan, and there are a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter drugs available to treat health conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and heart disease.
Surgical treatment can repair damaged body tissues and organs, including organ transplantation. In some cases, surgery can remove a tumor or other growths that cause pain and interfere with normal functions. Physical therapy uses a combination of exercises and techniques to restore mobility to injured or disabled people. It can be used for a range of medical conditions, including back pain, arthritis and sports injuries.
In many cases, the choice of a particular treatment depends on several factors, including a patient’s age, general health and medical history. Some treatments are more likely to be effective in younger people or with specific genetic traits. It is important for patients to discuss all of their options with a physician, and to make informed decisions based on the results of previous research studies as well as personal experience.
It is understandable that people with a serious health condition may be desperate to try anything that might improve their outlook, even untested ‘treatments’ promoted by celebrity endorsers or advertised on the internet. However, most treatments used to fight life-threatening illness have been rigorously tested and proven to be safe and effective. In many cases, it is far better to participate in a clinical trial of new treatments rather than trying out unproven alternatives.
For example, massage therapy may be a useful alternative to drug therapies for some patients with chronic back or neck pain, but it is not considered a medical treatment in the United States. In contrast, intravenous (IV) therapy is widely available in hospitals and clinics, and is a commonly used medical treatment for certain conditions, such as dehydration and malnutrition.
Taking an active role in medical treatment can help people feel more confident about the decisions they are making and can lead to a higher level of satisfaction with their healthcare. Patients should ask their doctors to take the time to explain all of the treatment choices and to describe how each would potentially affect them, including side effects. People who are unable to make medical decisions for themselves, either because of advanced age or because they have severe illnesses such as dementia, should consider creating an advance care plan to express their wishes.