What are alternative health therapies?

Published July 2025

Words by Angela Tufvesson

Alternative health therapies can help with everything from back pain and sports injuries to mental health. Here’s how to get the most out of your extras cover.

Are you dealing with back pain, migraines or sleepless nights? Perhaps you’re managing a long-term injury or chronic condition like osteoporosis. Alternative health therapies could help you manage your conditions.

Also known as complementary therapies or alternative medicine, alternative therapies can help with a range of symptoms and concerns. They can be used alongside – or in some cases, instead of – conventional medical practices like medication or surgery. They include treatments like acupuncture, exercise physiology, traditional Chinese medicine, myotherapy, and Swedish and remedial massage.

Around two-thirds of Aussies use alternative therapies alongside conventional medical treatments for a more holistic approach to wellbeing or to align with their cultural beliefs or practices.

In addition to common services like dental, optical, chiro and physio, most RT Health extras covers include alternative therapies. Here’s how your extras cover can support you to look after your health and wellbeing with alternative therapies, no matter your age or stage of life.

Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine has been used to treat and prevent illnesses for thousands of years. It’s based on the idea that when life forces ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ are in balance, and an energy called ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) is flowing freely, you feel relaxed and energised. When they’re out of balance, it’s believed to affect overall wellbeing.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use a variety of approaches – including acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine – to help address things like stress, pain, sleep and fertility. They also focus on preventing illness and disease before they develop.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine, and one of the most popular alternative therapies in Australia. It involves inserting fine needles into different points on the body to stimulate specific nerves and encourage healing.

Once inserted, the needles are left in place for about 25 to 40 minutes. It sounds painful, but acupuncture doesn’t usually hurt. You may feel a mild tingling and numbness, but afterwards, you’ll likely feel calm and relaxed.

One of the main benefits of acupuncture is getting pain relief without having to take medicines. It’s often used to help control chronic pain in the lower back, neck and shoulders, and may help with other forms of pain caused by menstruation and knee osteoarthritis. There’s also some evidence to suggest it may help treat migraines, insomnia and mental health issues like depression (alongside other forms of treatment).

Exercise physiology

The goal of exercise physiology is simple: to improve your health through exercise. An exercise physiologist typically creates personalised exercise plans for people with long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritis, as well as injuries, disabilities and mental health conditions.

Sessions can take place in a gym, at a health clinic or in hospital. Exercise physiologists also create programs to improve employees’ health and reduce workplace injuries.

Myotherapy

Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy that treats soft tissue pain and improves joint movement. It can be used to treat a wide range of problems including injuries caused by overuse, some sports injuries, tension headaches and some types of back pain.

Unlike physiotherapists, myotherapists offer a more hands-on approach to pain management. They use techniques like massage, stretching and dry needling to promote muscle and joint recovery. They might also suggest exercises or posture tips to help you feel better and prevent your pain returning.

Swedish and remedial massage

Massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of healing. Many people use it for reducing stress, pain relief and rehabilitating injuries.

Swedish massage is a gentle form of massage that releases tension from your muscles and helps you relax. It uses long strokes, kneading and deep, circular movements. Helpful for lower back pain, injuries and during pregnancy, it’s one of the most popular forms of massage therapy. 

Remedial massage can be a little more intense. More pressure is applied to treat specific issues or injuries, and it’s popular with runners and people who play sport.

How to claim alternative health therapies

If you’re considering an alternative therapy, it’s a good idea to chat with your GP or health professional first. They can help make sure it’s safe and meets your needs, and advise whether it should be used on its own or alongside other treatments like medication or surgery.

Knowing what you’re covered for is also important – your RT Health Cover Guide is a good place to start. You may discover some benefits you didn’t know you had. 

If your extras cover includes alternative therapies, we’ll pay benefits for consultation services provided by a registered provider up to your annual limit. Items like needles, oils, herbal medicines or other items that might be used during treatment are not covered.

Still have questions?

We get it. Private health insurance can be complicated, but we’re here with you every step of the way to help you get more value from your cover.

If you have any questions about your cover, our Member Care team can answer any questions you have. Give us a call on 1300 886 123 or get in touch via email to help@rthealth.com.au

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