Heat Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Is heat therapy effective in patients with rheumatoid joints?

Heat therapy is widely used as complimentary treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is claimed to decrease the pain and increase joint mobility. Heat is often administered by a topical heat pack, electric mittens, ultrasound, paraffin wax or going to a spa. There is no difference between any of them when it comes to effectiveness.

You can use a hot water bottle at home and that is as good as a trip to the physical therapist. Most heat therapies at the spa and exercise parlors are nothing more than scams. Physical therapists often recommend exotic devices for heat application but this is primarily designed to swindle the insurance companies or you for more money.

 If you want to obtain benefit from heat, it needs to be applied regularly. When combined with some type of exercise, the results are gratifying. Do not expect miracles because there are at least 30% of rheumatoid patients who see no benefit from heat.