Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling and, over time, joint damage. It affects around 400,000 people in the UK. Medical treatment is the primary intervention, but a range of complementary therapies can play a meaningful adjunct role in managing symptoms, maintaining function and supporting wellbeing.
See therapies that may helpRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition — the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane that lines joints, causing chronic inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA is systemic and can affect organs as well as joints. It typically affects smaller joints symmetrically — particularly the hands, wrists and feet — though larger joints can also be involved.
RA is characterised by periods of flare (increased disease activity) and remission. Early, aggressive medical treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics has transformed outcomes significantly in recent decades — many people achieve sustained remission with appropriate medical management.
The complementary therapies described on this page are adjunct support alongside medical care — they are not a replacement for rheumatological treatment, which is essential for managing the underlying disease process and preventing joint damage.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
If you suspect RA — particularly if you have symmetrical joint swelling and prolonged morning stiffness — see your GP promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for preventing joint damage.
Alongside medical treatment, the following therapies can help manage RA symptoms and improve quality of life:
Medical care through a rheumatologist is the primary treatment for RA — if you have not yet been diagnosed or are not under rheumatological care, this should be the priority. Complementary therapies work best as part of a coordinated care plan.
NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) offers excellent resources and support. Versus Arthritis also provides comprehensive information and a helpline.
Showing 12 therapies linked to Rheumatoid arthritis support (adjunct).
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Therapist |
strong
|
Tailored eating patterns, such as Mediterranean-style diets and omega-3 intake, can help manage inflammation and joint symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Physiotherapist |
strong
|
Physiotherapy maintains joint mobility and muscle strength, helping you protect inflamed joints and stay active during and between RA flares. |
| Clinical Pilates Practitioner |
moderate
|
Clinical Pilates builds core and joint-supporting strength through controlled low-impact movement, helping protect vulnerable RA joints and improve stability. |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
moderate
|
CBT can help you manage the pain, fatigue and low mood that often accompany rheumatoid arthritis, improving coping and day-to-day function. |
| Herbal Medicine Practitioner |
moderate
|
Some herbal preparations are used to ease RA joint inflammation, though the evidence is limited; it should not replace prescribed disease-modifying treatment. |
| Hydrotherapist |
moderate
|
Warm-water exercise eases weight off painful joints, allowing gentler movement and improved range of motion when RA stiffness limits land-based activity. |
| Massage Therapist |
moderate
|
Massage may offer short-term relief from the muscle tension and joint discomfort of RA, though evidence is limited and it complements medical care. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness practice can help you cope with persistent RA pain and the stress of living with a long-term condition, supporting emotional wellbeing. |
| Osteopath |
moderate
|
Osteopathy may help ease stiffness and improve mobility in surrounding tissues, though evidence is limited and it should support, not replace, RA care. |
| Pilates Practitioner |
moderate
|
Pilates encourages gentle, controlled movement that builds strength and flexibility, helping support and protect joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Sex Therapist |
moderate
|
Sex therapy can help address intimacy difficulties linked to RA pain, fatigue and body image, supporting relationships alongside your medical treatment. |
| Sports Therapist |
moderate
|
Sports therapy supports safe, graded exercise and rehabilitation to maintain strength and movement around RA-affected joints without provoking flares. |
Exercise, when appropriate to disease activity, does not worsen RA and is strongly recommended. It improves joint function, reduces fatigue and has cardiovascular benefits. During flares, gentle range-of-movement exercises are appropriate; between flares, more active exercise is beneficial. A physiotherapist with RA experience can guide safe exercise.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition causing symmetrical joint inflammation, typically affecting smaller joints and associated with systemic symptoms including fatigue. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition involving cartilage breakdown, affecting larger joints asymmetrically. Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour is more characteristic of RA.
Yes — achieving remission is a realistic goal with modern medical treatment. DMARDs and biological therapies have transformed outcomes in RA, and sustained remission (no active inflammation, near-normal function) is achievable for many people, particularly with early, aggressive treatment.
No — medical treatment (DMARDs, biologics) is essential for RA to manage the underlying autoimmune process and prevent joint damage. Complementary therapies play a valuable adjunct role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life, but they do not modify the disease process.
Evidence suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, and Mediterranean-pattern foods) may modestly reduce RA inflammation and symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces joint load. However, no specific diet has been shown to replace or match the disease-modifying effects of medication.