title: Nonpharmacological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation of synovial joints, often leading to joint destruction and disability. The major goals of treatment are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow down or stop joint damage, prevent disability, and preserve or improve the patient's sense of wellbeing and ability to function.
authors.affiliation: Population Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania. kelly.shaw@dhhs.tas.gov.au
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zochling
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Winzenberg
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome