Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by presenting chronic synovitis mainly in the small joints of the hands and feet, leading to the onset of pain and limitation of movements, with a higher incidence in females and interfering with the performance of daily, work and social activities, which reduces the quality of life of patients with this pathology. Our work analyzed the application of the conjugated therapy of Laser and Ultrasound, in the antialgesic effect in the small joints of the fingers. Four study groups were assigned to receive application to both hands, 3 minutes per point, 8 treatment sessions. Laser Group (n=10): Laser, wavelength 808nm/660nm, continuous, 100mW power; Ultrasound group (n=10): frequency 1MHz, intensity of 0.5W/cm², pulsed 100Hz with duty cycle 50%, power 1.30W; conjugated group: with bowl (n=10) and without bowl (n=10), frequency 1 MHz, intensity of 0.5W/cm², pulsed 100Hz with 50% duty cycle, power 1.30 W and Laser with wavelength 808nm/ 660nm, continuous, 100mW power. The group combined with a tub was applied with the hand submerged in water. Pre and post treatment, McGill Pain Questionnaire and pressure pain threshold were evaluated through algometry. The combined treatment with a bowl was superior (49.7%) to the Laser treatments (36.8%), Ultrasound (5.09%) and combined without a bowl (36.2%) for pain reduction. In this way, the conjugated therapy applied with the tub (underwater and combined with Laser and Ultrasound) for the treatment of small joints of the hands, provides a new non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment approach that contributes to a better quality of life for patients with this disease. chronic joint inflammation.