Rheumatic diseases affect not only the joints, but the whole person. Whether rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis or fibromyalgia – they are all accompanied by chronic pain, stiffness and restricted movement. In everyday life, many movements cost strength and many sufferers withdraw socially. However, there are ways to actively combat these restrictions: Individual physiotherapeutic and osteopathic treatment offers a wide range of options to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms in the long term.
Typical complaints from a physiotherapeutic perspective
People with rheumatic diseases often describe pronounced morning stiffness, swelling in the joints, pulling or burning pain and general exhaustion. These symptoms are caused by inflammatory processes in the joint and soft tissue area as well as compensatory incorrect postures that creep in over time. It is particularly stressful when everyday movements such as climbing stairs, putting on clothes or carrying shopping are only possible to a limited extent. From a therapeutic point of view, it is important not only to treat individual joints, but also to recognize functional correlations and include the entire musculoskeletal system.
What is the aim of physiotherapy for rheumatism?
Physiotherapeutic treatment is not aimed at curing the underlying disease, but at positively influencing its course. Specific goals are
- Pain relief through targeted mobilization and muscular relief
- Maintaining and improving joint mobility
- Building functional muscles for stabilization
- Avoidance of incorrect posture and the resulting secondary problems
- Strengthening body awareness and improving coordination
- Promoting independence in everyday life
These goals are individually adapted to the respective illness and symptoms.
Physiotherapeutic therapy methods
In our practice, we combine different treatment methods that have proven successful in the treatment of rheumatic complaints:
- Manual therapy: Gentle mobilization techniques are used to loosen restricted joints and improve mobility. The treatment is always adapted to the inflammatory condition.
- Physiotherapy: Functional exercises with or without equipment help to compensate for muscular imbalances and increase everyday resilience.
- Heat applications: In the case of chronic inflammatory changes, warm packs, hot rollers or mud applications bring about significant muscle relaxation.
- Cold applications: During an acute inflammatory attack, localized cold can help to reduce pain and limit swelling.
- Connective tissue and segmental massage: Targeted stimuli in the tissue promote blood circulation and vegetative reactions can be positively influenced.
- Respiratory therapy: Chest mobility is restricted, particularly in diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis. Breathing control and posture exercises improve oxygen uptake and have a pain-relieving effect.
Osteopathy for rheumatism – holistic and effective
In addition to traditional physiotherapy, osteopathy offers a valuable supplement in the treatment of rheumatic complaints. The focus is not on the individual joint, but on the person as a functional unit.
- Visceral techniques: Rheumatism medication often puts a strain on the gastrointestinal tract. Gentle mobilization of internal organs can calm the autonomic nervous system and improve self-regulation.
- Craniosacral osteopathy: This method works with fine impulses in the area of the skull and spine. It is well suited to chronic fatigue, sleep disorders and tension.
- Fascia techniques: Adhesions and tension in the connective tissue can cause discomfort in distant areas of the body via myofascial chains. Releasing such tensions improves mobility and body awareness.
- Recognize movement correlations: Chronic rheumatism often reveals a chain of pelvic misalignment, SI joint involvement, spinal rotations and jaw tension. The osteopathic approach combines these observations to form a meaningful overall picture.
Movement is medicine
Current studies confirm that regular, guided exercise has a positive effect on pain perception, joint function and mental state. Targeted training with physiotherapeutic guidance is an important point for self-determined management of the disease.
Do you live with a rheumatic disease and want to improve your mobility, reduce pain and regain a better quality of life? Feel free to make an appointment – we will provide you with competent and individual support.