What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a type of therapy which helps you to improve your general fitness and muscle strength so you can live an active and independent life. In Rheumatic conditions, Physiotherapy can help you to restore or improve your physical function and help to manage your pain better.
Physiotherapists are trained to diagnose and treat muscle and joint problems. Your Physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment of how your Rheumatic condition affects you and be able to offer advice and reassurance, helping you to feel more confident about managing your condition.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy can help you to:
- Understand your Rheumatic condition
- Become stronger, more flexible and more mobile
- Improve your fitness
- Manage your pain better
How can I access physiotherapy services?
If you need a Physiotherapist who specialises in Rheumatology conditions your Consultant, Specialist Nurse or GP can refer you.
If you have a musculoskeletal problem that is unrelated to your Rheumatology condition you can also self refer to your local physiotherapy department via the NHS MSK Helpline or use a private practice.
It is always important to tell the Physiotherapist your medical history at the first appointment.
Information adapted from Versus Arthritis leaflet: ‘Physiotherapy and Arthritis’
https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/1335/physiotherapy-and-artritis-information-booklet.pdf
NHS Musculoskeletal:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/nhs-services/helplines/musculoskeletal-msk-helpline
