• Other Conditions
• Joint pain
• Muscle injuries
• Strains and sprains
• Spinal pain
• Pre & Post orthopaedic surgery
• Spinal surgery
• Chronic pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injury
• Fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Children with musculoskeletal injuries
• Rheumatologic problems
• Headaches
• Pregnancy related back and pelvic pain

Rheumatologic Problems

There are many conditions that are classed as rheumatologic problems for instance many forms of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. They differ from the common degenerative diseases of osteoarthritis as rheumatic diseases are auto immune diseases. This is when one's body defence system identifies normal cells as foreign bodies and starts to attack the structures. This leads to the signs and symptoms associated with rheumatic diseases.

The most common type of rheumatic disease is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is where the disease attacks and destroys the synovial tissue causing pain, swelling and loss of function throughout the body. it isn't just associated with joints but can affects every organ within the body. RA tends to affect the limbs symmetrically and is more likely to affect women than it is men. There is currently no known cause or cure for RA.

Signs and symptoms relating to rheumatologic problems

• Joint pain
• Stiffness – usually in the morning
• Swelling and inflammation
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Aches and feeling unwell
• Anaemia

In some cases but not all inflammation can develop in other parts of the body such as the eyes, blood vessels, lungs and heart. Making it a very serious condition and the quicker it is diagnosed the sooner treatment interventions can be undertaken to slow down the progression of the disease.

Treatment for rheumatologic problems

There is no cure for rheumatic problems. However early diagnoses of the exact condition and play a big part in the progression of the disease and can slow down and in some cases halt the disease from further destruction of the tissues.

Treatments include:-

• Mobilising joints
• Stretches and strengthening exercises
• Exercise prescription
• Electrotherapy
• Massage to relieve pain and stiffness
• Acupuncture
• Self-management advice
• Heat therapy to relieve pain
• Advice on modifying activities

To find out more information or to book an instant appointment please call 07734054192 or send an e-mail to office@sportandspinalphysio.co.uk