Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Effect of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Upper Extremity Functionality in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints and tendon sheaths. As a result of synovitis, progressive damage occurs in cartilage, bone and joints. This damage leads to severe functional limitations and deterioration in quality of life. Synovial tissues are the main site of involvement. Manual lymph drainage reduces the levels of inflammatory mediators associated with edema and pain in the acute phase. On the basis of this concept; Stimulating the lymph system and increasing circulation, removing biochemical residues, regulating sympathetic and parasympathetic system responses, and thus reducing edema and pain. The increase in cardiac parasympathetic activity measured after MLD also contributes to relaxation. In addition to the transport of lymphatic fluid, manual lymph drainage stimulates free nerve endings in the skin with the touches it contains. Gentle stimulation to the skin increases tactile input and closes the pain pathways. In addition, the superficial relaxation and warming provided by soft stimulation creates an effect on the autonomic nervous system and activates the parasympathetic system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage on upper extremity functionality in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition to conventional treatment for 4 weeks, manual lymph drainage will be applied to the patients.

upper extremity normal joint range of motion exercise, strengthening exercise, tendon gliding exercises

In the scale consisting of 30 questions; questions are scored as "yes-1" and "no-0". The scores obtained range from 0-30, and high scores indicate poor quality of life.

It is used for the assessment of sensitivity to pain and the determination of pressure perception. will be evaluated with a digital algometer device with a surface area of 1 cm2 and a sensitivity of 0.25 kg/cm2 (Jtech Medical Industries, ZEVEX Company, USA).

The Jamar hand dynamometer, which is recommended by the American Association of Hand Therapists (AETD) and has high validity and reliability in many studies and is therefore accepted as the gold standard, will be used.

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with RA according to ACR criteria Being between the ages of 18-65 Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Presence of neuromuscular disease Having difficulty walking Cognitive impairment Having systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis History of upper extremity sIf you have Hand Deformity