Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy Massage on Pain and Wrist Mobility in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy Massage on Pain Intensity and Wrist Joint Mobility in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, particularly affecting small joints such as the wrist. Despite pharmacological treatments, many patients continue to experience persistent pain and functional limitations.

Lavender aromatherapy massage is considered a complementary therapy that may help reduce pain and improve circulation and joint flexibility through both mechanical stimulation and the therapeutic properties of lavender essential oil.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of lavender aromatherapy massage on pain intensity and wrist joint mobility in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group receiving lavender aromatherapy massage in addition to routine medical care, and a control group receiving routine medical care only.

Pain intensity will be assessed using a standardized pain scale, and wrist joint mobility will be measured using appropriate clinical assessment tools before and after the intervention period.

The results of this study may contribute to evidence-based practice by determining whether lavender aromatherapy massage can be recommended as a safe and effective complementary intervention for managing pain and improving joint mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Previous lavender aromatherapy massage within 6 months
• Documented hypersensitivity to lavender aromatherapy massage