Rheumatology Physiotherapy Service
There is a full time rheumatology physiotherapist who works within the Rheumatology Department. Any member of the rheumatology department or your GP can refer into the rheumatology physiotherapy service as long as you have been diagnosed with a rheumatology condition. This diagnosis must be done by a rheumatologist either in the Isle of Man or the UK.
The role of a Rheumatology Physiotherapist
The Rheumatology physiotherapist is able to provide education and tailor made rehabilitation programs to suit your needs and goals.
We are in the process of setting up hydrotherapy sessions for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis. This may be extended to patients with other rheumatology conditions in the future if the patient would benefit from this therapy.
Where the Rheumatology Physiotherapist is Based
The Rheumatology Physiotherapist is based at the Day Assessment and Treatment Unit (DATU) within the Nobles Hospital grounds and the Community Health Centre Westmoreland Road, Douglas.
What is a Rheumatology Condition
A rheumatology condition is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation within the body that can affect joints, muscles and organs.
The Rheumatology Physiotherapist can assess and assist patients with the rehabilitation of the following rheumatology conditions. This list is not exhaustive:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Axial Spondyloarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Polymyositis and Dermatositis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Hypermobility syndromes
Additional websites that may be of interest
What you can expect from you first Rheumatology Appointment
Your first appointment will consist of the physiotherapist taking a thorough history of your condition and your symptoms. They will do a physical assessment of the areas of your body that you need help with and then devise an exercise regime that will help to improve the function of that area so that you are able to do the activities that you need to do to improve your quality of life.
There are also other services that the Rheumatology physiotherapist can refer into to aid the your rehabilitation which may include the Healthy for Life program at the NSC or the Active Joints Class which is a physiotherapist led exercise class which takes place at the Community Health Centre at Westmoreland Road, Douglas.
What is physiotherapy rehabilitation
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation is the process by which a physiotherapist will help the patient to return to their previous activity levels depending on their type of their condition as reasonable as is practicable.
This will include advice and exercise tailor made to the patient’s needs. This may or may not include formal exercise classes. However, the success of any exercise regime whether that is within a physiotherapy led exercise class or an exercise program executed within the patient’s home, will depend on the patient’s adherence to the exercise class and/ or home exercise program.
