56 patients with bilateral hand osteoarthritis (46 of whom completed the study) were randomized to either receive or not receive a paraffin bath treatment to study its effect on pain reduction. Results indicated that there was a significant decrease in pain at rest in the paraffin bath group compared to the control group, but no difference was found in pain scores while performing activities of daily living. The number of painful and tender joints was decreased and grip and pinch strength was increased in the paraffin bath group. There were no differences in functional evaluations or loss of range of motion between the two groups.