Physical modalities continue to be a part of the rehabilitation treatment of patients with arthritis. Databases Medline (1980-1992) and National Rehabilitation Information Center, Rehabdata (1956-1992), were searched for "arthritis" and (1) diathermy, (2) massage, (3) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), (4) hydrotherapy, (5) counter-irritants, (6) topical ointments, (7) compression gloves, (8) superficial heat, and (9) acupuncture. The results suggest that scientific publication related to the treatment of arthritis with physical modalities has been recently less frequent. The literature reviewed suggested that ablative diathermy may be fruitful for wider trials for persistently inflamed joints, and TENS and capsaicin can provide pain relief in osteoarthritis if it is possible to deliver the treatment fully and persistently.