Release time：2025-01-18 17:13
Source：
Page view：83
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, pain and progressive loss of function. Although drug therapy (such as anti-inflammatory drugs and biologics) is the main means, the auxiliary role of physical therapy is increasingly valued. Among them, ultrasound therapy has become an innovative choice for relieving RA symptoms due to its deep penetration and anti-inflammatory mechanism. This article analyzes the specific effects and timeline of ultrasound therapy on RA patients through a real case.
1. Rheumatoid arthritis: not just joint pain
The core pathology of rheumatoid arthritis is that the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial tissue, causing joint swelling and stiffness (especially morning stiffness), and eventually causing cartilage and bone destruction. Patients are often accompanied by fatigue, fever and systemic inflammatory response. Although traditional treatment can control the disease, some patients have limited response to drugs or worry about long-term side effects, so non-drug therapies (such as ultrasound) become an important supplement.
2. Scientific basis for ultrasound treatment of RA
Ultrasound (1-3 MHz frequency) acts on RA joints through two mechanisms:
- Anti-inflammatory and repair: high-frequency sound wave vibration can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α, IL-6) and reduce synovial inflammation; at the same time, it promotes collagen synthesis and repairs damaged tissues.
- Improve microcirculation: thermal effect dilates blood vessels, accelerates the removal of metabolic waste, and relieves joint swelling.
- Pain regulation: stimulate nerve endings, interfere with pain signal transmission, and increase pain threshold.
Research support:
A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2020) showed that after 6 weeks of ultrasound treatment, RA patients had a 37% decrease in joint tenderness scores and a 21% increase in grip strength.
3. Case sharing: Practical effect of ultrasound treatment for RA
Patient background
- Gender/age: female, 52 years old
- Medical history: diagnosed with RA 8 years ago, symmetrical swelling of proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) and wrist joints of both hands, morning stiffness >1 hour, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 42 mm/h.
- Treatment history: long-term use of methotrexate, unable to increase due to gastrointestinal reactions, pain score (VAS) 6/10 points.
Treatment plan
- Equipment parameters: 1 MHz continuous ultrasound, intensity 0.8 W/cm², 3 times a week, 10 minutes/joint each time.
- Auxiliary measures: simultaneous joint protective exercise training.
Treatment effect and timeline
- Week 1-2:
- Pain score dropped to 5/10 points, morning stiffness time shortened to 40 minutes.
- After ultrasound treatment, local warmth was obvious and joint mobility improved.
- Week 3-4:
- Swelling was reduced (wrist circumference decreased by 1.2 cm), and grip strength increased from 12 kg to 15 kg.
- ESR dropped to 35 mm/h, and pain score stabilized at 4/10.
- Week 6:
- Morning stiffness <20 minutes, and fine movements such as buttoning and holding a pen can be completed.
- The patient said that "the quality of life has improved significantly", and the treatment frequency was adjusted to once a week for consolidation.
4. Advantages and precautions of ultrasound treatment of RA
Core advantages
- Precise anti-inflammatory: Directly targeting the deep synovium to avoid side effects of systemic medication.
- High safety: non-invasive operation, suitable for long-term treatment needs.
- Synergistic enhancement: combined with drugs and exercise therapy to accelerate functional recovery.
Contraindications to be vigilant
- Acute infection or severe redness and swelling of joints (may aggravate inflammation).
- Osteoporosis area (avoid thermal effects leading to abnormal bone metabolism).
- Do not use near implanted electronic devices (such as pacemakers).
5. Future direction: personalized ultrasound therapy
With the development of technology, intelligent ultrasound devices can monitor joint temperature and inflammation level in real time through sensors and dynamically adjust output parameters. For example, pulse mode (non-thermal effect) is used to inhibit acute inflammation during the active period of RA, and continuous mode is switched to promote repair during the stable period.
6. Conclusion
Ultrasound therapy provides a safe and accessible non-drug intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The above case proves that regular treatment for 6 weeks can significantly relieve pain and improve joint function. However, the efficacy is affected by individual differences and needs to be evaluated by physical therapists to develop personalized plans.
Expert advice:
> "RA patients should include ultrasound therapy in the comprehensive management plan under the guidance of rheumatologists and regularly monitor inflammatory indicators and joint status." —— Dr. Emily Torres, rheumatology rehabilitation expert
Through the combination of scientific practice and real cases, we hope that more people will understand the value of Nuopuen ultrasound therapy equipment in the treatment and management of chronic diseases and add hope to the fight against RA.