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In conjunction with drug therapy, a variety of supportive (adjunctive) treatments are usually used for the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although these supportive therapies are not curative, and their benefits are only temporary in nature, they can help patients to better cope with the major symptoms of RA (joint pain, tenderness, morning stiffness) and, thereby, improve function and mobility. Even though patients may feel better and have increased mobility as a result of these supportive therapies, it is imperitive for them to continue taking the medications prescribed by their physician in order to prevent further progression of the disease.

Supportive therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Exercises - passive range-of-motion; isometric; hydrotherapy
• Thermotherapy - application of superficial moist heat or ice packs
• Splints/Orthoses - wrist supports; finger splints; special shoes and shoe insoles
• Therapeutic ulrasound - the use of sound waves applied to an area of the body to reduce inflammation, pain, and tenderness
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)- the use of electrical stimulation to block the sensation of pain from reaching the brain

Many patients who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to obtain relief from symptoms. In general, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding the efficacy of CAM therapies for RA due to variations among studies with respect to patient inclusion criteria, study methodology, and disease outcome measures.

Examples of CAM therapies that have been reviewed in the medical literature which may help some patients with RA but for which insufficient evidence currently exists from rigorous controlled clinical trials that would warrant making definitive recommendations for their routine use by patients with RA include:

• Acupuncture
• Electroacupuncture
• Balneotherapy (spa therapy)
• Tai chi
• Ayurvedic medicine
• Herbal medications - There is some evidence that herbal medications containing gamma linoleic acid (GLA) may help to improve symptoms of joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness in patients with RA. With the exception of GLA, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of herbal medications in general for the treatment of RA.