Rheumatoid Arthritis

Other Treatment

Other types of treatment that may help you control some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Physical therapy, to improve joint function. Physical therapy includes exercise, hot and cold therapy, and massage.
• Occupational therapy, to learn how to maintain movement in the joints while carrying out the activities of daily living. Therapists can teach techniques to avoid excessive force being applied on non-weight-bearing joints and to avoid unnecessary impact on weight-bearing joints. A 2005 review of studies reported that instruction on joint protection and comprehensive occupational therapy can help people with rheumatoid arthritis overcome problems in performing daily activities.¹⁷
• Products that reduce stress on joints and aid with daily activities. This wide range of products includes foot supports, wrist or finger splints, assistive devices such as household aids (for example, specialized kitchen tools), or mobility aids (such as canes and walkers). For more information and a catalog, contact the Arthritis Foundation, listed in the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.
• Behavioral modification techniques to reduce pain and stress, such as biofeedback and relaxation therapy, which may include breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.
• Counseling, to help you cope with long-term pain and disability.

Complementary and alternative medicine therapies

Although not proven in scientific studies, complementary therapies are used by many people to relieve symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis and improve their quality of life. These therapies include:

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture is used to relieve pain and treat certain health conditions. It is done by inserting very thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
• Massage. Massage can help relieve stress and reduce pain. However, do not massage swollen or painful joints.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS is a therapy that uses electrical current delivered through electrodes to the skin for pain relief. Electrical stimulation to the nerves may cause the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins, which may block the perception of pain. Although TENS may help relieve pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis for some people, it has no effect on the disease itself and is not considered to be a long-term solution to pain.¹⁸
• Herbs and dietary supplements. If you decide to use herbs or dietary supplements, be sure to tell your health professional.
  • For some people, herbs (such as ginger or evening primrose) or essential fatty acids (such as fish oil) may provide some relief of symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis.¹⁹
  • The dietary supplement glucosamine may help to relieve joint pain in some people with osteoarthritis. However, its effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is not known.²⁰

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: August 23, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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