In the article was carried research of prevalence of rheumatoid diseases among the world population and in Ukraine. According to the analysis of the literature, were highlighted the main elements of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, are described levels of activity of rheumatoid process and criteria of determination the functional capacity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It was found that a sedentary lifestyle, low level of physical preparedness – two factors, that are typical for many patients, who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. It was determinate, that difficulty status of patient with rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by pain syndrome, deterioration of physical function, declining index of physical health, significantly affecting on quality of life. The article summarized and presented modern views and tendencies as for physical rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It was considered the main approaches to the appointment of means of medical physical culture in system of physical rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on a stationary phase of treatment. There was determinate, that physical rehabilitation is an essential component of successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Particularly, systematic physical exercises improve general health, reduce pain, increase mobility, contributing to the saving of functional activity of the joints, have positive effect on the heart’s work and on the general circulation of the blood and thus, improve the quality of patients’ life. It was proved the necessity in development and theoretical substantiation of the concept of physical rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.