[Physical therapy of rheumatoid arthritis]

Physiotherapy is an important component of the treatment regimen for rheumatoid arthritis, and is aimed mainly at reducing pain and preserving function. Depending on the severity of the disease and the clinical picture, physiotherapy, ergotherapy, hydrotherapy and heat treatment, as well as massage and electrotherapy may all be considered. When properly applied, these treatments have the advantage of being free of side effects. Scientific proof of effectiveness is often lacking in physical medicine, which clearly represents a challenge to the discipline in the years to come.