Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint dysfunction by inflammation driven autoimmune disease, with joint swelling, pain and stiffness, resulting in severe disability, while increasing the risk of suffering from extra articular disease. Rehabilitative therapy, as an auxiliary intervention beyond drug therapy, plays an important role in RA treatment, which includes physical therapy, kinesitherapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapies are effective on improving the symptom of RA and alleviating inflammation. Kinesitherapy could reduce inflammatory reaction, improve the joint function, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve the mental health. Occupational therapy may help them adapt the living and working status, and improve the quality of life.

Key words: rheumatoid arthritis, rehabilitation therapy, physical therapy, exercise therapy, occupational therapy, review