Rheumatic ArthritisPDC-RANCT07905651
Effects of Paraffin Wax Therapy and Dry Cupping on Pain and Wrist Function in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
A study testing Paraffin Wax Therapy and Dry cupping in people with Rheumatic Arthritis, run by University of Baghdad at 1 site in Iraq.
Trial summary
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 more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Rheumatic Arthritis
- What is being tested?
- Paraffin Wax Therapy and Dry cupping
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIraq
- Study dates
- 25 Oct 2026to 26 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- Acute joint inflammation or infection in the hands or upper back at the time of screening.
- Severe deformities or surgery involving the hands or upper back within the previous 6 months.
- 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.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Previous experience with paraffin wax therapy or cupping therapy within the past 6 months.
- Known hypersensitivity to paraffin wax or materials used in cupping (e.g., acrylic or silicone).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Abdullah AbdulHamid Alhussein, PhD Student contact
Iraq1 site
Rheumatology Clinic at Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Baghdad city
Baghdad
Abdullah Abdulhamid Alhussein, PhD Student, 009647720863206 ext. +9647867441077, abdullahalhussen247@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: 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.
Read the detailed description
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the joints of the hands and wrists. Pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function may interfere with daily activities. In addition to standard medical treatment, non-pharmacological interventions may help manage symptoms and support physical function.
This study compares paraffin wax therapy and dry cupping therapy in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Both interventions are intended to address symptoms affecting the hands and wrists. The study uses a two-arm, parallel-group randomized design with assessments conducted before and after the intervention period.
A total of 48 participants are included in the study plan, with 24 participants allocated to each group. Random allocation is performed in a 1:1 ratio using computer-generated block randomization. Allocation assignments are placed in sealed, opaque envelopes and opened by a research assistant after the baseline assessment.
Paraffin Wax Therapy Group
Participants assigned to this group receive paraffin wax therapy using medical-grade paraffin maintained at 45 ± 1°C. The affected hand is dipped into the melted paraffin for approximately 2-3 seconds and then removed to allow the wax to solidify for approximately 5-10 seconds. This process is repeated eight times to form a coating around the hand. The hand is then covered with a plastic bag and an insulating wrap for 15 minutes. The procedure is applied to the opposite hand as appropriate.
Treatment is provided twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions.
Dry Cupping Therapy Group
Participants assigned to this group receive dry cupping therapy using acrylic cups measuring approximately 5-6.5 cm in diameter and a portable DF-750 suction pump. The cups are applied to the selected treatment points LI4, LI5, and TE4. Negative pressure is maintained at approximately -300 to -400 mmHg, with adjustments of approximately 25 mmHg according to participant tolerance and skin response. The cups remain in place for approximately 10 minutes.
Treatment is provided twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions.
Study Setting and Procedures
The study is conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic of Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Participants receive the intervention assigned to their group according to the study protocol. Study assessments are conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.
The sample size was estimated using G*Power version 3.1 for a two-sided independent-samples t-test, with a significance level of 0.05, statistical power of 80%, and an assumed standardized effect size of 0.8. The minimum estimated sample was 42 participants. The target sample was increased to 48 participants to allow for an anticipated 10% attrition rate.
The study follows the applicable ethical requirements. Participants are informed about the study procedures, and informed consent is obtained before participation. Participant information is handled confidentially.
- Conditions
- Rheumatic Arthritis
- Being tested
- Paraffin Wax Therapy, Dry cupping
- Keywords
- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Paraffin Wax Therapy, Dry Cupping, Pain Intensity, Wrist Joint Function, Complementary Therapy, Wrist Functional Performance
- Medical subject headings
- Rheumatic Fever, Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Paraffin Wax TherapyProcedure or surgery
Paraffin wax therapy will be applied to the wrist and hand joints at a temperature of 45 ± 1°C. The treatment will involve eight successive dips, followed by wrapping the treated area for 15 minutes. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions.
Dry cuppingProcedure or surgery
Dry cupping therapy will be administered using suction cups applied to designated treatment points around the wrist and hand, without skin incision or bloodletting. The treatment points, suction intensity, session duration, and frequency will follow the approved study protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Paraffin wax therapy | Experimental | Participants assigned to this group will receive paraffin wax therapy for the wrist and hand joints at a temperature of 45 ± 1°C. The treatment will involve eight successive dips, followed by wrapping the treated area for 15 minutes. The intervention will be administered twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions. Receives: Procedure: Paraffin Wax Therapy |
| Dry cupping | Experimental | Participants assigned to this group will receive dry cupping therapy using suction cups applied to the designated treatment points around the wrist and hand. The procedure will be performed without skin incision or bloodletting. The treatment points, suction intensity, session duration, and frequency will follow the approved study protocol. Receives: Procedure: Dry cupping |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Pain Intensity Measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the first treatment session and after completion of the eight treatment sessions. Changes in pain intensity will be evaluated and compared between the paraffin wax therapy and dry cupping groups.
Measured: From baseline (before the first treatment session) to completion of the 4-week intervention period (after the eighth treatment session).
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Wrist Joint Functional Performance Measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)
Wrist Joint Functional Performance will be assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) before the first treatment session and after completion of the eight treatment sessions. Changes in HAQ-DI scores will be compared between the paraffin wax therapy and dry cupping groups. The HAQ-DI assesses functional limitations in daily activities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and is not specific to wrist function.
Measured: From baseline (before the first treatment session) to the end of the 4-week intervention period (after the eighth treatment session).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Oct 2026
- Study start25 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion26 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion26 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (29)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Rheumatic ArthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of BaghdadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized, parallel-group interventional design involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group receives paraffin wax therapy, while the second group receives dry cupping therapy. Each participant receives only the intervention assigned to their group. Outcomes are compared between the two groups to evaluate the effects of the interventions on pain intensity and wrist joint functional performance.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Baghdad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Abdullah Abdul Hamid Alhussein, University of Baghdad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905651
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Paraffin and Dry cupping
- Other IDs
- 92
- Acronym
- PDC-RA
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared with other researchers because no data-sharing plan has been established for this study. Study results may be disseminated through scientific publications and academic presentations without disclosing individual participants' personal information.
Publications
Tokem Y, Akyol AD, Argon G. The relationship between disability and self-care agency of Turkish people with rheumatoid arthritis. J Clin Nurs. 2007 Mar;16(3A):44-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2006.01742.x.
PubMed 17518868Moura CC, Chaves ECL, Cardoso ACLR, Nogueira DA, Correa HP, Chianca TCM. Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2018 Nov 14;26:e3094. doi: 10.1590/1518-8345.2888.3094.
PubMed 30462793Lauche R, Cramer H, Hohmann C, Choi KE, Rampp T, Saha FJ, Musial F, Langhorst J, Dobos G. The effect of traditional cupping on pain and mechanical thresholds in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain: a randomised controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:429718. doi: 10.1155/2012/429718. Epub 2011 Dec 7.
PubMed 22203873Kim JI, Lee MS, Lee DH, Boddy K, Ernst E. Cupping for treating pain: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:467014. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep035. Epub 2011 Jun 23.
PubMed 19423657Teut M, Ullmann A, Ortiz M, Rotter G, Binting S, Cree M, Lotz F, Roll S, Brinkhaus B. Pulsatile dry cupping in chronic low back pain - a randomized three-armed controlled clinical trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Apr 2;18(1):115. doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2187-8.
PubMed 29609566Philippou E, Petersson SD, Rodomar C, Nikiphorou E. Rheumatoid arthritis and dietary interventions: systematic review of clinical trials. Nutr Rev. 2021 Mar 9;79(4):410-428. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa033.
PubMed 32585000Noor Ul Ain; Bashir MS, Noor R, Ikram M, Iftikhar A, Najm R. Effects of core stabilisation exercises with and without dry cupping on pain and disability in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. J Pak Med Assoc. 2025 Jan;75(1):61-65. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.8289.
PubMed 39828829Mathiowetz V. Comparison of Rolyan and Jamar dynamometers for measuring grip strength. Occup Ther Int. 2002;9(3):201-9. doi: 10.1002/oti.165.
PubMed 12374997Kucukdeveci AA, Sahin H, Ataman S, Griffiths B, Tennant A. Issues in cross-cultural validity: example from the adaptation, reliability, and validity testing of a Turkish version of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Feb 15;51(1):14-9. doi: 10.1002/art.20091.
PubMed 14872450Soliman Y, Hamed N, Khachemoune A. Cupping in dermatology: a critical review and update. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018 Jun;27(2):103-107.
PubMed 29945267Li W, Chung SL, Lei M, Yang X, Jin Z. Dry cupping as an adjuvant treatment of individuals with severe pneumonia: study protocol for a placebo-controlled, randomised study. BMJ Open. 2024 Apr 29;14(4):e082081. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082081.
PubMed 38684257Ustun I, Caglar S. Comparison of the effect of prolotherapy and paraffin wax for hand osteoarthritis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Oct;27(20):9510-9520. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202310_34124.
PubMed 37916318Sandqvist G, Akesson A, Eklund M. Evaluation of paraffin bath treatment in patients with systemic sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil. 2004 Aug 19;26(16):981-7. doi: 10.1080/09638280410001702405.
PubMed 15371046Sibtain F, Khan A, Shakil-Ur-Rehman S. Efficacy of Paraffin Wax Bath with and without Joint Mobilization Techniques in Rehabilitation of post-Traumatic stiff hand. Pak J Med Sci. 2013 Apr;29(2):647-50.
PubMed 24353596Oosterveld FG, Rasker JJ. Effects of local heat and cold treatment on surface and articular temperature of arthritic knees. Arthritis Rheum. 1994 Nov;37(11):1578-82. doi: 10.1002/art.1780371104.
PubMed 7980668
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Paraffin Wax Therapy and Dry Cupping on Pain Intensity and Wrist Joint Functional Performance For Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905651
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PDC-RA / Paraffin and Dry cupping
- Conditions
- Rheumatic Arthritis
- Keywords
- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Paraffin Wax Therapy, Dry Cupping, Pain Intensity, Wrist Joint Function, Complementary Therapy, Wrist Functional Performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of BaghdadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 26 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 26 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the joints of the hands and wrists. Pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function may interfere with daily activities. In addition to standard medical treatment, non-pharmacological interventions may help manage symptoms and support physical function.
This study compares paraffin wax therapy and dry cupping therapy in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Both interventions are intended to address symptoms affecting the hands and wrists. The study uses a two-arm, parallel-group randomized design with assessments conducted before and after the intervention period.
A total of 48 participants are included in the study plan, with 24 participants allocated to each group. Random allocation is performed in a 1:1 ratio using computer-generated block randomization. Allocation assignments are placed in sealed, opaque envelopes and opened by a research assistant after the baseline assessment.
Paraffin Wax Therapy Group
Participants assigned to this group receive paraffin wax therapy using medical-grade paraffin maintained at 45 ± 1°C. The affected hand is dipped into the melted paraffin for approximately 2-3 seconds and then removed to allow the wax to solidify for approximately 5-10 seconds. This process is repeated eight times to form a coating around the hand. The hand is then covered with a plastic bag and an insulating wrap for 15 minutes. The procedure is applied to the opposite hand as appropriate.
Treatment is provided twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions.
Dry Cupping Therapy Group
Participants assigned to this group receive dry cupping therapy using acrylic cups measuring approximately 5-6.5 cm in diameter and a portable DF-750 suction pump. The cups are applied to the selected treatment points LI4, LI5, and TE4. Negative pressure is maintained at approximately -300 to -400 mmHg, with adjustments of approximately 25 mmHg according to participant tolerance and skin response. The cups remain in place for approximately 10 minutes.
Treatment is provided twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions.
Study Setting and Procedures
The study is conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic of Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Participants receive the intervention assigned to their group according to the study protocol. Study assessments are conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.
The sample size was estimated using G*Power version 3.1 for a two-sided independent-samples t-test, with a significance level of 0.05, statistical power of 80%, and an assumed standardized effect size of 0.8. The minimum estimated sample was 42 participants. The target sample was increased to 48 participants to allow for an anticipated 10% attrition rate.
The study follows the applicable ethical requirements. Participants are informed about the study procedures, and informed consent is obtained before participation. Participant information is handled confidentially.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized, parallel-group interventional design involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group receives paraffin wax therapy, while the second group receives dry cupping therapy. Each participant receives only the intervention assigned to their group. Outcomes are compared between the two groups to evaluate the effects of the interventions on pain intensity and wrist joint functional performance.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Paraffin wax therapy | Experimental | Procedure: Paraffin Wax TherapyParticipants assigned to this group will receive paraffin wax therapy for the wrist and hand joints at a temperature of 45 ± 1°C. The treatment will involve eight successive dips, followed by wrapping the treated area for 15 minutes. The intervention will be administered twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions. |
| Dry cupping | Experimental | Procedure: Dry cuppingParticipants assigned to this group will receive dry cupping therapy using suction cups applied to the designated treatment points around the wrist and hand. The procedure will be performed without skin incision or bloodletting. The treatment points, suction intensity, session duration, and frequency will follow the approved study protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Acute joint inflammation or infection in the hands or upper back at the time of screening.
- Severe deformities or surgery involving the hands or upper back within the previous 6 months.
- 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.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Paraffin Wax TherapyParaffin wax therapy will be applied to the wrist and hand joints at a temperature of 45 ± 1°C. The treatment will involve eight successive dips, followed by wrapping the treated area for 15 minutes. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions. | Procedure or surgery | Paraffin wax therapy |
| Dry cuppingDry cupping therapy will be administered using suction cups applied to designated treatment points around the wrist and hand, without skin incision or bloodletting. The treatment points, suction intensity, session duration, and frequency will follow the approved study protocol. | Procedure or surgery | Dry cupping |
Primary outcome
Change in Pain Intensity Measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: From baseline (before the first treatment session) to completion of the 4-week intervention period (after the eighth treatment session).
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the first treatment session and after completion of the eight treatment sessions. Changes in pain intensity will be evaluated and compared between the paraffin wax therapy and dry cupping groups.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Wrist Joint Functional Performance Measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)
Time frame: From baseline (before the first treatment session) to the end of the 4-week intervention period (after the eighth treatment session).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Nov 2026.
- Background: PubMed 17518868Tokem Y, Akyol AD, Argon G. The relationship between disability and self-care agency of Turkish people with rheumatoid arthritis. J Clin Nurs. 2007 Mar;16(3A):44-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2006.01742.x.
- Background: PubMed 30462793Moura CC, Chaves ECL, Cardoso ACLR, Nogueira DA, Correa HP, Chianca TCM. Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2018 Nov 14;26:e3094. doi: 10.1590/1518-8345.2888.3094.
- Background: PubMed 22203873Lauche R, Cramer H, Hohmann C, Choi KE, Rampp T, Saha FJ, Musial F, Langhorst J, Dobos G. The effect of traditional cupping on pain and mechanical thresholds in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain: a randomised controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:429718. doi: 10.1155/2012/429718. Epub 2011 Dec 7.
- Background: PubMed 19423657Kim JI, Lee MS, Lee DH, Boddy K, Ernst E. Cupping for treating pain: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:467014. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep035. Epub 2011 Jun 23.
- Background: PubMed 29609566Teut M, Ullmann A, Ortiz M, Rotter G, Binting S, Cree M, Lotz F, Roll S, Brinkhaus B. Pulsatile dry cupping in chronic low back pain - a randomized three-armed controlled clinical trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Apr 2;18(1):115. doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2187-8.
- Background: PubMed 32585000Philippou E, Petersson SD, Rodomar C, Nikiphorou E. Rheumatoid arthritis and dietary interventions: systematic review of clinical trials. Nutr Rev. 2021 Mar 9;79(4):410-428. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa033.
- Background: PubMed 39828829Noor Ul Ain; Bashir MS, Noor R, Ikram M, Iftikhar A, Najm R. Effects of core stabilisation exercises with and without dry cupping on pain and disability in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. J Pak Med Assoc. 2025 Jan;75(1):61-65. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.8289.
- Background: PubMed 12374997Mathiowetz V. Comparison of Rolyan and Jamar dynamometers for measuring grip strength. Occup Ther Int. 2002;9(3):201-9. doi: 10.1002/oti.165.
- Background: PubMed 14872450Kucukdeveci AA, Sahin H, Ataman S, Griffiths B, Tennant A. Issues in cross-cultural validity: example from the adaptation, reliability, and validity testing of a Turkish version of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Feb 15;51(1):14-9. doi: 10.1002/art.20091.
- Background: PubMed 29945267Soliman Y, Hamed N, Khachemoune A. Cupping in dermatology: a critical review and update. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018 Jun;27(2):103-107.
- Background: PubMed 38684257Li W, Chung SL, Lei M, Yang X, Jin Z. Dry cupping as an adjuvant treatment of individuals with severe pneumonia: study protocol for a placebo-controlled, randomised study. BMJ Open. 2024 Apr 29;14(4):e082081. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082081.
- Background: PubMed 37916318Ustun I, Caglar S. Comparison of the effect of prolotherapy and paraffin wax for hand osteoarthritis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Oct;27(20):9510-9520. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202310_34124.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared with other researchers because no data-sharing plan has been established for this study. Study results may be disseminated through scientific publications and academic presentations without disclosing individual participants' personal information.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Abdullah AbdulHamid Alhussein, PhD Student contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Paraffin Wax Therapy and Dry cupping in people with Rheumatic Arthritis, run by University of Baghdad at 1 site in Iraq.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Iraq. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Abdullah AbdulHamid Alhussein, PhD Student (009647720863206 ext. 00964786744107, abdullahalhussen247@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Pain Intensity Measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: From baseline (before the first treatment session) to completion of the 4-week intervention period (after the eighth treatment session).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07905651, which also lists 29 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Nov 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.