Management of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The role of the hand therapist.

The treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis requires a team approach, with the patient as the key player. These patients have a chronic disease that necessitates monitoring by physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and vocational counselors. The hand therapist provides individual exercise and activities programs, hand splinting, and instruction in joint protection and energy conservation techniques. When a patient requires surgery, the hand therapist works in conjunction with the surgeon in both the preoperative phase of patient evaluation and education, and in the postoperative management. The team working together helps the patient receive maximum benefits from treatment and to live more comfortably with his disease.