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Complementary therapies

This information is for people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It’s also for their friends, families and caregivers. It explains what complementary therapies are and why we don’t recommend any for ADPKD. 

The quality and number of studies on complementary therapies varies a lot. Some people say they find a certain complementary therapy useful. But, none of these therapies have been researched (tested) well in people with ADPKD.  

We don’t recommend any complementary therapies. This is because we can’t be sure that they work well or are safe. 

We list some places where you can find information on them.  

If you’re thinking of using a complementary therapy, get advice from a healthcare professional. Ask about the benefits and risks, the same as you would for a medicine. 

Contents

What are complementary therapies?

Are any complementary therapies proven to help ADPKD?

Where can I find out about complementary therapies?

Are there other ways people with ADPKD can stay healthy?

More information from the PKD Charity

What are complementary therapies?

Examples of complementary therapies are:

  • herbal remedies 
  • homeopathy 
  • acupuncture 
  • reflexology 
  • aromatherapy 
  • massage 
  • osteopathy 
  • chiropractic 

You can find out what each of these are on the Patient.info website. 

Complementary therapies are used alongside medical treatments. This is where the name comes from. It’s hard to define what a complementary therapy is. Most doctors don’t class complementary therapy as medical care. 

When these approaches are used instead of medical treatments, people call them alternative therapies. 

The PKD Charity recommends not using alternative therapies. It could affect your kidneys and general health if you don’t get the medical care that your kidney doctor (nephrologist) and other specialists recommend. 

What are complementary therapies?

Are any complementary therapies proven to help ADPKD?

There’s been very little research on complementary therapies in people with ADPKD. We can’t recommend any because there’s not enough proof that they are safe or work well. 

Kidney specialist Dr Ragada El-Damanawi tells us that studies so far don’t provide proof because, for example:

  • they were done in animals 
  • they had very few patients 
  • they didn’t measure the right outcomes 

Some complementary therapies might help to manage pain but they’re not proven to help ADPKD pain. Examples include heat and cold packs, physical therapy, meditation, and acupuncture. See our web page on Pain for more information. 

Where can I find out about complementary therapies?

If you have questions about complementary therapies, your doctor (GP), kidney specialist (nephrologist) or pharmacist are a good place to start.  

Here are some trusted sources of information on complementary therapies: 

  • The US National Kidney Foundation has information on herbal supplements, including ones to avoid if you have kidney disease. Please note, this is written for American patients.  

Are there other ways people with ADPKD can stay healthy?

A healthy diet and lifestyle can help to slow down kidney damage. It’s good for your general health too. Find out more on our web page Diet and Lifestyle.

Further information

All of our publications are based on references but these are removed for ease of reading on our webpages. A version of this webpage with references included is available upon request by emailing [email protected]

Authors and contributors

Written by Dr Hannah Bridges, Independent Medical Writer, HB Health Comms Limited, UK. Expert review by Dr Ragada El-Damanawi, Consultant Nephrologist, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK. 

With thanks to all those affected by ADPKD who contributed to this publication. 

Ref No: ADPKD.CAM.V2.0 
© PKD Charity 2026 
First published: September 2026 
Due to be medically reviewed: September 2029 
 

Disclaimer: This information is primarily for people in the UK. We have made every effort to ensure that the information we provide is correct and up to date. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical examination. We do not promote or recommend any treatment. We do not accept liability for any errors or omissions. Medical information, the law and government regulations change rapidly, so always consult your GP, pharmacist or other medical professional if you have any concerns or before starting any new treatment. 

If you don't have access to a printer and would like a printed version of this information sheet, or any other PKD Charity information, call the PKD Charity Helpline on 0300 111 1234 (weekdays, 9am–5pm) or email [email protected] 

The PKD Charity Helpline offers confidential support and information to anyone affected by PKD, including family, friends, carers, newly diagnosed or those who have lived with the condition for many years. 

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