Paraffin wax therapy versus dry cupping for wrist pain in rheumatoid arthritis
Compares paraffin wax therapy and dry cupping for wrist pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Effects of Paraffin Wax Therapy and Dry Cupping on Pain and Wrist Function in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Key facts
- Where
- Baghdad, IraqSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults aged 20-60 with rheumatoid arthritis who test positive for rheumatoid factor and take stable arthritis medicines. It compares paraffin wax therapy with dry cupping for wrist pain and function.
- Age
- 20-60 years
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed by the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria.
- Earlier treatment
- Must have been on a stable regimen of usual arthritis medicines (NSAIDs, csDMARDs and/or bDMARDs) for at least 3 months, and agree to keep the same regimen during the study. No paraffin wax therapy or cupping in the past 6 months.
- Biomarker or test result
- Positive for rheumatoid factor (RF).
Main reasons for not taking part
- Acute joint inflammation or infection in the hands or upper back
- Severe hand or upper back deformities, or surgery there within the past 6 months
- Skin lesions, open wounds, infections or severe vascular disease at the treatment sites
- Uncontrolled diabetes, kidney failure, active cancer, severe heart or lung disease, bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulants
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 20 and 60 years old?
Source: NCT07905651, who can take part
Where in Iraq
- Rheumatology Clinic at Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Baghdad cityBaghdad, IraqNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Baghdad
- Trial code
- NCT07905651
- Record updated
- 2 November 2026
- Original description
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced functional performance in the wrist and hand joints. These problems may make daily activities, such as gripping objects and performing self-care tasks, more difficult.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Effect of Paraffin Wax Therapy and Dry Cupping on Pain Intensity and Wrist Joint Functional Performance For Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced functional performance in the wrist and hand joints. These problems may make daily activities, such as gripping objects and performing self-care tasks, more difficult.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of paraffin wax therapy and dry cupping on pain intensity and wrist joint functional performance among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study will compare two groups: one receiving paraffin wax therapy and the other receiving dry cupping therapy
Pain intensity and wrist joint functional performance will be assessed before and after the interventions using standardized assessment tools. The findings may help determine whether these complementary therapies can reduce pain and improve wrist function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Inclusion: Age 20-60 years; Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria; Seropositive for rheumatoid factor (RF); Stable regimen of conventional RA medications for at least 3 months before enrollment, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), and/or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), with agreement to maintain the same regimen throughout the study period.
Exclusion: Severe deformities or surgery involving the hands or upper back within the previous 6 months; Previous experience with paraffin wax therapy or cupping therapy within the past 6 months; Acute joint inflammation or infection in the hands or upper back at the time of screening; Skin lesions, open wounds, infections, skin fragility, or severe vascular disease (e.g., deep vein thrombosis or severe varicose veins) at the proposed treatment sites; Significant comorbidities, including uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, renal failure, polycythemia vera, active malignancy, severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or coagulopathies, or current use of anticoagulants; Known hypersensitivity to paraffin wax or materials used in cupping (e.g., acrylic or silicone); Pregnancy or lactation.