Patient Information Resources


Orthopedic Services
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 409-8000






Ankle
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Wrist

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What is a "placebo effect"?

Patients who get better without being given any "real" treatment are thought to be helped by a placebo effect. Examples of this are pills that have no active ingredient or the use of electrical therapy that isn’t turned on. The patient has a physical or emotional change because he or she expected to get better. The placebo effect also occurs if the health care worker giving the treatment expects it to help. Researchers agree that there is a definite placebo effect in many cases. Studies have shown this occurs in 20 to 90 percent of all patients. No one knows for sure how this happens or how to make it happen. Scientists continue to study it with great interest.

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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


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