Table 10

Guideline recommendations for passive treatments


Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement [9]

Cold/heat
Recommended
Compression/elevation
Recommended
Massage
Recommended if heat/cold and medications are contraindicated or not effective
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Recommended if heat/cold and medications are contraindicated or not effective
Acupuncture
Recommended if heat/cold and medications are contraindicated or not effective

Poitras et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007 9:R126   doi:10.1186/ar2339