Clinical practice guideline for physical therapist management of people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Phys Ther. 2021 Aug 1;101(8):pzab127.

Purpose: This guideline revises the 2008 Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF) guideline for physical therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Conclusions: An evidence-based physical therapy guideline was delivered, providing ready-to-use recommendations on the assessment and treatment of patients with RA. An active implementation strategy to enhance its use in daily practice is advised. This evidence-based practice guideline guides the physical therapist in the treatment of patients with RA. The cornerstones of physical therapist treatment for patients with RA are active exercise therapy in combination with education. Passive interventions such as massage, electrotherapy, thermotherapy, low-level laser therapy, ultrasound, and medical taping play a subordinate role.

See abstract.