Nonpharmacological strategies for residual noninflammatory joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis

Nonpharmacological strategies for residual noninflammatory joint pain in RA include:

• rest and pacing activities
• exercise therapy
• thermotherapy
• splints or orthoses
• psychotherapy, (eg relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT])
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Although these strategies may provide pain relief, there is limited evidence to support their use. For more information on chronic pain strategies, see Chronic pain management strategies in the Pain and Analgesia guideline.