Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition within musculoskeletal health. In practical terms, it can involve experiences such as pain and stiffness, which may change during activities or interventions studied for this condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is classified within musculoskeletal health.
This list shows research findings, not treatments. Nothing here replaces medical care. If you have this condition, talk to a doctor.
What may help
What studies found for each option, best evidence first.
17 options:3 some evidence13 not enough evidence1 no benefit found
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A review of randomized trials reported that HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness and health-related quality of life without exacerbating disease activity. In a trial of 89 people, both AHIIT and AMICT improved fatigue and overall health, but there were no between-group differences.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) pageStrength TrainingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
In older adults with rheumatic diseases, 14 of 17 studies (2,631 participants) showed positive effects of resistance training on bone health or BMD. In adults aged 65–75 with Rheumatoid Arthritis, moderate-to-high-intensity gym-based aerobic and resistance exercise improved aerobic capacity, strength, and functional endurance without exacerbating symptoms.
Open the Strength Training pageYogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported small improvements in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and function. The pooled pain result was not significant, and GRADE certainty ranged from moderate to very low.
Open the Yoga pageAnusara YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
Pooled randomized trials in people with rheumatoid arthritis reported improvements in DAS28, psychological outcomes, and IL-6.
Open the Anusara Yoga pageRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
A 2024 meta-analysis of randomized trials found improved grip strength and morning stiffness, but no significant pain relief. Findings disagree with a 2025 review, which found no significant difference between photobiomodulation and sham for pain, stiffness, grip strength, functional capacity, inflammation, or activity.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) pageCalisthenicspracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A 2024 single-arm trial in 42 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis found improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, and TUG time without worsening disease activity.
Open the Calisthenics pageFastingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported reductions in DAS28 with intermittent fasting in randomized and observational studies, and reductions in VAS in observational studies. Inflammatory markers showed non-significant trends.
Open the Fasting pageFinnish SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A pilot study described decreases in pain and stiffness during sauna sessions in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Open the Finnish Sauna page
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
What may help
Interventions recorded as helping with this condition17 listedMost likely to help, from the evidence we have
- →PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A review of randomized trials reported that HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness and health-related quality of life without exacerbating disease activity. In a trial of 89 people, both AHIIT and AMICT improved fatigue and overall health, but there were no between-group differences.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Study result
Systematic review of 9 RCTs showing HIIT safe and beneficial for CRF and HRQoL without exacerbating disease activity.
- →PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
In older adults with rheumatic diseases, 14 of 17 studies (2,631 participants) showed positive effects of resistance training on bone health or BMD. In adults aged 65–75 with Rheumatoid Arthritis, moderate-to-high-intensity gym-based aerobic and resistance exercise improved aerobic capacity, strength, and functional endurance without exacerbating symptoms.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Strength TrainingStudy result
14 of 17 studies (2,631 participants) showed positive effects of RT on bone health/BMD; RT well tolerated in older adults with RDs
- →PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported small improvements in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity (SMD −0.46; 95% CI −0.73 to −0.18) and function (SMD −0.42; 95% CI −0.78 to −0.07). The pooled pain result was not significant (SMD −1.06; 95% CI −2.62 to 0.50), and GRADE certainty ranged from moderate to very low.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes Type2
- Heart Failure
- +1 more
Open YogaStudy result
Four RCTs (Singh 2011, Gautam 2020, Ganesan 2020, Gautam 2019) showed significant reductions in IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP and improvements in disease markers (DAS28) with yoga.
Low probability(13)
- →PracticesAnusara YogaCertaintyLowSourceRCT
Pooled randomized trials in people with rheumatoid arthritis reported improvements in DAS28, psychological outcomes, and IL-6.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open Anusara YogaStudy result
Pooled RCTs of yoga in individuals with RA reported improvements in DAS28, psychological outcomes and IL-6.
- →PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyLowSourceRCT
A 2024 meta-analysis of randomized trials found improved grip strength and morning stiffness, but no significant pain relief. Findings disagree with a 2025 review, which found no significant difference between photobiomodulation and sham for pain, stiffness, grip strength, functional capacity, inflammation, or activity.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Alopecia Androgenetic
- Carpal Tunnel
- Fibromyalgia
- Fracture
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Neck Pain
- +6 more
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)Study result
Meta-analysis of RCTs showing significant improvement in grip strength and morning stiffness, but no significant pain relief.
- →PracticesCalisthenicsCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A 2024 single-arm trial in 42 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis found improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, and TUG time without worsening disease activity.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open CalisthenicsStudy result
Single-arm trial showing improvements in muscle strength, ROM, and TUG time in female RA patients without worsening disease activity.
- →PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported reductions in DAS28 with intermittent fasting in randomized and observational studies, and reductions in VAS in observational studies. Inflammatory markers showed non-significant trends.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open FastingStudy result
Meta-analysis showing significant reductions in DAS28 (RCTs and observational studies) and VAS (observational studies) with intermittent fasting; inflammatory markers showed non-significant trends.
- →PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A pilot study described decreases in pain and stiffness during sauna sessions in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
Open Finnish SaunaStudy result
Oosterveld 2009 pilot: pain and stiffness decreased during sauna sessions.
- →PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a 2015 trial of 75 participants, 49% of whom had rheumatoid arthritis, the group receiving yoga improved on physical and psychological outcomes compared with a wait-list.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open Hatha YogaStudy result
Participants with RA (49% of sample) were enrolled and improved on physical and psychological outcomes versus waitlist.
- →PracticesHeating Pads / Warm CompressesCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A review of 7 small, poor-quality trials suggested that superficial moist heat may provide palliative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open Heating Pads / Warm CompressesStudy result
Systematic review of 7 small, poor-quality trials in RA; authors suggest superficial moist heat may serve as palliative therapy
- →PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A randomized trial in 30 inpatients with rheumatoid arthritis measured pain threshold after warm-bath use; the reported finding does not establish whether the threshold improved.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open Hot BathStudy result
Warm bath was applied to inpatients with rheumatoid arthritis, and pain threshold was measured in this population.
- →PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A 2009 single-arm pilot study reported good tolerance and short-term improvements in pain and stiffness among 17 people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open Infrared SaunaStudy result
Pilot single-arm study in 17 RA patients showing good tolerance and short-term pain and stiffness improvement
- →PracticesMassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a small, open-label pilot trial, grip strength, DHI, and PGA improved over two weeks among people selected for low disease activity or remission. The changes were reported within the intervention group.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open MassageStudy result
Grip strength, DHI and PGA improved within the intervention group over two weeks in patients selected for low disease activity or remission; the single small open-label pilot trial gives limited support.
- →PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical
An RCT involving 60 people with rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain reported reduced pain with Swedish massage. The finding concerns pain in this group, rather than rheumatoid arthritis more broadly.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Open Swedish (Classic) MassageStudy result
Trial population of RA patients with joint pain; Swedish massage reduced pain in this group.
- →PracticesSwimmingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a 12-week aquatic exercise program, a quasi-experimental study in 43 women with Rheumatoid Arthritis found improvements in pain, depression, and some measures of physical fitness.
Open SwimmingStudy result
Significant improvements in pain, depression, and some physical fitness measures after 12-week aquatic exercise program in women with RA.
- →PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyLowSourceReview
A 2021 review described one study in which wet cupping reduced pain and laboratory markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity; combining it with conventional therapy decreased RF levels.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Scleroderma
- +1 more
Open Cupping TherapyStudy result
Wet cupping reduced pain and laboratory markers of RA activity in one study; combination with conventional therapy decreased RF levels.
Very low probability(1)
- →PracticesTai ChiCertaintyVery lowSourceRCT
The studies did not support improvement in physical function, pain, joint tenderness, swollen or tender joints, handgrip strength or HAQ scores. A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded did report fewer withdrawals overall.
Open Tai ChiWho was studied
- People with a condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
What to avoid
Interventions recorded as making it worseNothing in this library is currently recorded as making Rheumatoid Arthritis worse. Coverage is partial, and absence here is not evidence of safety.
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Full write-up
What is it
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition within musculoskeletal health. In practical terms, it can involve experiences such as pain and stiffness, which may change during activities or interventions studied for this condition. Research has examined options including Finnish Sauna, Swimming, Black Seed Oil, and Curcumin, but findings differ in strength and consistency. This page describes evidence related to rheumatoid arthritis and does not replace evaluation or care from a clinician.
Evidence-backed options
The clearest time-linked findings concern non-supplement options. In a pilot study involving people with rheumatoid arthritis, pain and stiffness decreased during Finnish Sauna sessions. A 12-week aquatic exercise program in women with rheumatoid arthritis was associated with improvements in pain, depression, and some physical fitness measures, so these findings describe changes observed during sessions or after a defined program rather than an immediate, universal effect.
The supplement evidence is less consistent and often does not establish how quickly symptoms may change. Ginger research described 750 mg of ginger powder twice daily, while a separate study of Vitamin K2 used 100 μg/d of MK-7 for 3 months and reported changes in disease activity and biomarkers. Quercetin was associated with changes in morning pain, after-activity pain, and early morning stiffness, but the available information does not specify a treatment duration or onset time. Black Seed Oil and Cod Liver Oil likewise lack enough detail here to determine a timeframe for symptom changes.
Curcumin and Curcuma longa extract have shown limited and inconsistent effects on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. More broadly, several options are supported by reviews rather than detailed condition-specific trials, and some findings concern biomarkers or selected symptoms rather than overall disease control. The populations and study settings also differ, so results may not apply equally to every person with rheumatoid arthritis. A clinician can help interpret these options alongside established care.