Massage therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

IF 3.2 3区医学 Q2 RHEUMATOLOGY

Rheumatology International Pub Date : 2025-03-22 DOI:10.1007/s00296-025-05833-3

Umida Khojakulova, Marlen Yessirkepov, Olena Zimba, Yuliya Fedorchenko

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引用次数: 0

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.

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来源期刊

Rheumatology International 医学-风湿病学

CiteScore

7.30

自引率

5.00%

发文量

191

审稿时长

16. months

期刊介绍： RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL is an independent journal reflecting world-wide progress in the research, diagnosis and treatment of the various rheumatic diseases. It is designed to serve researchers and clinicians in the field of rheumatology. RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL will cover all modern trends in clinical research as well as in the management of rheumatic diseases. Special emphasis will be given to public health issues related to rheumatic diseases, applying rheumatology research to clinical practice, epidemiology of rheumatic diseases, diagnostic tests for rheumatic diseases, patient reported outcomes (PROs) in rheumatology and evidence on education of rheumatology. Contributions to these topics will appear in the form of original publications, short communications, editorials, and reviews. "Letters to the editor" will be welcome as an enhancement to discussion. Basic science research, including in vitro or animal studies, is discouraged to submit, as we will only review studies on humans with an epidemological or clinical perspective. Case reports without a proper review of the literatura (Case-based Reviews) will not be published. Every effort will be made to ensure speed of publication while maintaining a high standard of contents and production. Manuscripts submitted for publication must contain a statement to the effect that all human studies have been reviewed by the appropriate ethics committee and have therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in an appropriate version of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. It should also be stated clearly in the text that all persons gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Details that might disclose the identity of the subjects under study should be omitted.