Skip to main content
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2019 Nov 1.
Published in final edited form as: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Nov;70(11):1653–1660. doi: 10.1002/acr.23522

Table 2. Overview of treatment.

Additional explanation for focus areas follow

Focus Area Treatment Instructions Time
Preparation for Treatment Thermal Modalities
■Hot packs
■Paraffin
  • Focus thermal treatments on areas with limitations

  • Hot packs (elbows/forearms)

  • Paraffin (hands)

15 minutes
Tissue Mobilization Physiotouch (also called Lymphatouch)*
  • Apply proximal to distal in areas with pathological skin in sections

  • Use largest head that will achieve good suction

  • Begin about elbow, move proximally – 4 pulses per head placement/slightly overlap head placements
    • Head size – 60/50/35 mm depending on location
    • Pressure setting- 250 mmHg
    • Vibration- 60 Hz
    • Simple pulse – 2 sec/50%
  • End with hand/digits with same settings as above

10-13 minutes per extremity
Arm Mobility\Range of Motion Passive Range of Motion
Active Range of Motion\Functional Activities
■PROM Hold end position of joint for 3-10 seconds; 3-5 reps (Dependent on skin and joint integrity) see Appendix
■Repeat for each affected joint/digit
AROM – 10 reps - see Appendix
Functional Activities utilizing available ROM, grip/pinch
10 minutes per extremity
3-5 minutes per extremity (or remaining time in session)
Home Program ■Tailored active and passive ROM based on limitations in upper extremity mobility *Adaptions may be needed if skin ulcers are present by teaching alternative methods for holding/stretching joints, or if patient experiences lasting increase of musculoskeletal pain by decreasing repetitions.