Transcutaneous electrostimulation has been employed for many years in physical medicine for the relief of pain. Interest in the method has increased since the publication of the Gate control theory in 1965. The apparatus employed by the authors uses a form of current which cannot be felt. It was, therefore, possible to undertake a double blind cross-over investigation. In the selected group of 14 consecutive patients, dominated by chronic pain and all with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis with involvement of both wrists, the authors found significant relief of pain in the treated wrists but no changes in the other parameters chosen: ability to coordinate, strength of grip and strength of supination.

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