This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of lavender aromatherapy massage on pain intensity and wrist joint mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive lavender aromatherapy massage in addition to standard care or standard care alone. Pain intensity and wrist mobility will be measured before and after the intervention period. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of complementary therapies in reducing pain and improving joint function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Age 20 to 60 years
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis meeting the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria
Seropositive for Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Stable dosage of RA medications (NSAIDs, csDMARDs, bDMARDs) for at least 3 months prior to enrollment with commitment to maintain the regimen
Acute joint inflammation or infection in the hands or upper back during screening
Recent surgery (within 6 months) affecting hands or upper back
Dermal lesions, open wounds, infections, or significant vascular pathology at treatment sites
Serious comorbidities (uncontrolled diabetes, renal failure, cancer, severe cardiac/respiratory disease, coagulopathies, anticoagulant use)
Parallel
Lavender Aromatherapy Massage
Other interventionMassage therapy using lavender essential oil applied to the wrist according to the study protocol , twice weekly.
Inert Almond Oil Massage
Other interventionMassage using inert almond oil without lavender essential oil, applied with the same duration and procedure as the experimental group , twice weekly.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Wrist Joint Mobility
Wrist joint mobility will be assessed using a goniometer.
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