The term rheumatism is used to refer broadly to rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition involving muscles, joints and bones. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body spontaneously attacks its own healthy tissues, leading to their degeneration. Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases must be one of the basic elements of a comprehensive treatment. It plays a particularly important role in the first period of the disease, when the resulting changes have not yet become fixed.
Rheumatism - what are the associated conditions?
Rheumatic diseases are generalised connective tissue diseases. They primarily cause joint deformities and muscle atrophy and include a range of musculoskeletal conditions. The most characteristic and most troublesome symptom in rheumatic disease is acute, chronic or intermittent pain. It increases during a flare-up and is felt more acutely on cold and damp days, and after significant physical or mental exertion. The most common diseases of the rheumatic type are:
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
- ankylosing spondylitis ,
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis,
- psoriatic arthritis.
- systemic lupus.
Rheumatism in Poland
According to studies, approximately 1% of the adult population in Poland suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. This means that the condition contributes to disability and or invalidity in about 400 000 people. The highest incidence of rheumatoid arthritis is between the ages of 40 and 60, with women having the disease two to three times more often than men.
When rheumatic disease is diagnosed, it is necessary to take measures to halt the progression of the disease. The sooner these measures are taken, the greater the chance of limiting the negative effects of the disease. It is the first months that usually prove crucial in terms of the effectiveness of treatment.
Rheumatism and treatment
Treatment is always selected individually,. Above all, it must be comprehensive, i.e. it should include pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, balneotherapy consisting of water treatments and psychotherapy.
The aim of improvement treatment for RA is:
- controlling and modifying pain,
- Strengthening of strength, as well as muscular endurance,
- maintaining an appropriate range of movement in the joint,
- prevention of deformations,
- correction of joint deformities,
- creating appropriate movement patterns,
- weight control,
- implementing proper nutrition.
Physiotherapy in the treatment of rheumatism
Not everyone is aware of the important role played by physiotherapy in rheumatology. Well, as it turns out, the primary method of treatment for improving patients is movement therapy, or kinesitherapy. Thanks to it, it takes place:
- nourishing joint cartilage,
- increasing the range of movement,
- elimination of contractures,
- restoring normal muscle function.
In order to improve articular cartilage nutrition and increase the range of movement, the most effective exercises are: passive, self-assisted, active, free, weight-bearing and resistance exercises. On the other hand, the elimination of contractures is mainly achieved using lifts and mobilisation using manual techniques. Restoring muscle function generally involves isometric exercises, resistance exercises and water exercises.
Improvements in rheumatic conditions are also brought about by treatments such as:
- Local cryotherapy - the painful joint is placed in liquid nitrogen vapour,
- The cryochamber, with temperatures of up to -160°C, has a systemic effect; for people with rheumatic diseases, it improves wellbeing, boosts immunity, relaxes painful muscles and reduces inflammation,
- Magnet therapy - the affected area is placed in a coil where a magnetic field is generated,
- laser therapy - electromagnetic radiation has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and a restorative effect on damaged soft tissues,
- hand or leg whirlpool bath - relaxes muscles and reduces pain,
- ultrasound - a head generating ultrasound waves is used to massage the affected and painful areas.
Effects of physiotherapy in RA
Using these physiotherapy methods, we can relieve pain and inflammation in the joints and reduce muscle tension. Massage also works well for the latter purpose. Other benefits of physiotherapy in rheumatology are:
- improving and enhancing circulation,
- prevention and reduction of contractures in the joints,
- alleviation of joint stiffness
- general improvement in the patient's condition.
