This tool provides education, not a diagnosis. Choose the closest option and discuss the result with a qualified practitioner.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune inflammatory disease that can cause painful, swollen and stiff joints, often on both sides of the body.
Therapies that may be discussed
Acupuncture
Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at individually selected points. For rheumatoid arthritis, the goal is supportive symptom management—not treatment of the underlying autoimmune disease.
What may be supported
- Temporary relief of pain or muscle tension
- Relaxation and coping with chronic discomfort
- Mobility comfort as part of a wider care plan
Tell the practitioner first
- Blood thinners or a bleeding disorder
- Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
- Immune-suppressing medication
- Skin infection, fever or an acutely hot, swollen joint
What happens during a session?
Video: Understanding acupuncture
A short English introduction from the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). External videos are educational and do not endorse a specific provider.
View source and transcript →Gentle Tuina or Soft-Tissue Massage
Gentle manual therapy may help relax muscles surrounding painful joints. Direct pressure on acutely inflamed, unstable or damaged joints should be avoided.
May be considered for
- Muscle tension around affected joints
- Relaxation and temporary comfort
- Gentle movement support in stable disease
Not suitable when
- A joint is acutely red, hot or very swollen
- There is fracture, severe osteoporosis or instability
- The rheumatologist advises joint protection
Warm Therapies
Mild moxibustion or paraffin wax may feel soothing for chronic stiffness, but heat should not be placed over an actively inflamed, hot or swollen joint.
Possible options
- Mild indirect moxibustion
- Warm-needle acupuncture after screening
- Paraffin wax for hands or feet
Main precautions
- Reduced skin sensation or diabetes
- Acute inflammation or fever
- Smoke sensitivity or damaged skin
Therapies that may be discussed
When not to use this selector
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, severe injury, high fever, sudden weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a joint that is suddenly very hot and swollen. Do not delay prescribed treatment while trying complementary therapy.