‘Physical therapy is a mainstay of managing rheumatic diseases, but what’s the evidence, how do we monitor, and what types of therapy should we advocate?’ asks Physician Editor Bharat Kumar, MD, MME, FACP, FAAAAI, RhMSUS. ‘Here, we provide some practical recommendations for the everyday rheumatologist.’ Physical activity, including occupational and recreational activities, is one of…
Experts offered perspectives on how symptoms of rheumatic disease, such as fatigue, affect the physical, cognitive and emotional health of patients and offered solutions.
Some patients avoid using canes due to stigma, but cane use can prevent loss of mobility and increase independence for many.
Magdalena “Maggie” Cadet, MD, a rheumatologist in New York City, remembers learning about the relationship between physical activity and bone health at a young age. She was 5 years old when she first began taking ballet, jazz and tap-dancing lessons. At 9, she became a competitive figure skater and practiced both dance and ice skating…
Lifestyle medicine interventions, such as dietary changes, movement and mindfulness, in combination with conventional treatment, may help alleviate symptoms of rheumatic disease, according to panelists at ACR Convergence 2023.
Regular movement is crucial for everyone, but patients with rheumatic disease may feel overwhelmed about starting and maintaining a routine. Here’s how physical and occupational therapists can help patients establish and reach movement goals, while improving their pain management and overall health.
Research has demonstrated that exercise-based physical therapy is as effective at maintaining knee function as surgery in patients with degenerative meniscal tears at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
High-intensity strength training may be no more beneficial than low-intensity strength training at improving pain and joint compression in patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to a recent study.
Despite revolutionary advances in pharmacologic treatments for many rheumatic conditions in recent years, some patients still fail to reach a desired state of living with their disease, notes R. Swamy Venuturupalli, MD, FACR, a clinician and researcher in rheumatology, as well as the founder and director of Attune Health, a Beverly Hills, Calif.-based company that…
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—Attention to bone health in people at risk of developing, or who already have, osteoporosis is essential to reduce their increased risk for fragility fractures. Major risk factors for osteoporosis include being female, white, of small frame and having a family history of osteoporosis, as well as having secondary causes of osteoporosis, such…