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Massage therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatology international
March 22, 2025
Umida Khojakulova et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits and underlying mechanisms of massage therapy as a complementary intervention for reducing pain, improving joint function, and modulating inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Results Summary

The review found that massage modalities (e.g., Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, foot reflexology) can reduce pain, improve joint function, and modulate inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and cortisol levels in RA patients. Limitations include the need for larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to establish robust guidelines.

Population

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Effective Dosage

Not specified.

Duration

Not specified.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
massage modalities-including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and foot reflexology
decrease
pain
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
can reduce
#1
massage modalities-including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and foot reflexology
increase
joint function
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
improve
#2
massage modalities-including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and foot reflexology
decrease
inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α)
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
modulate
#3
massage modalities-including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and foot reflexology
neutral
cortisol levels
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
modulate
#4
massage therapy
increase
neuroendocrine balance
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
promoting
#5
massage therapy
increase
lymphatic drainage
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
promoting
#6
massage therapy
increase
comorbid conditions
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
offer additional benefits in managing
#7
massage therapy
increase
psychological well-being
patients with rheumatoid arthritis
-
enhancing
#8
Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. Although pharmacological treatments, such as therapies with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents, have improved disease outcomes, many patients continue to experience residual symptoms that impair their quality of life. This review examines the role of massage therapy as a complementary intervention in RA, focusing on its clinical benefits and underlying mechanisms. A systematic search of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) up to February 2025 was conducted using relevant MeSH terms. Evidence from clinical studies suggests that massage modalities-including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and foot reflexology-can reduce pain, improve joint function, and modulate inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and cortisol levels, thereby promoting neuroendocrine balance and lymphatic drainage. Furthermore, massage therapy may offer additional benefits in managing comorbid conditions and enhancing psychological well-being. This review also underscores the pivotal role of nurse-led care in integrating massage therapy into comprehensive treatment plans, despite existing challenges in training and standardization of protocols. Future research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is essential to establish robust guidelines and optimize the use of massage therapy as an adjunct treatment in RA.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMassageArthritis, RheumatoidQuality of LifeTreatment OutcomePain Management
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy70/10
Quality80/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.60
Normalized Score0.64
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