A comparison of three different physiotherapy treatments for rheumatoid arthritis of the hands

Abstract

Thirty in-patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated with wax baths, ultrasound, and ultrasound followed by a faradic hand bath. Routine exercises were added to each technique. The patients were recruited for a 3 week period. All had pain, swelling and limited movements. A randomisation code allocated patients into one of three treatment groups. Seven assessments were carried out before entry to the study, and at the end of weeks 1, 2 and 3, by an independent observer. Statistically significant improvement in grip strength and articular index was seen after one week independently of treatment. There was no difference in performance between the dominant and non-dominant hand. All seven measurements showed significant improvement by the end of the third week of treatment in all treatment groups. Ultrasound in the dose used was no better than wax baths in improving the patients.