Rheumatology Therapy Team
We provide a wide range of services for adults with rheumatology conditions. These conditions include:
- Inflammatory arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
- Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (connective tissue disorders and vasculitis)
- Complex cases or those which have not responded to primary care management of selected conditions (gout, polymyalgia rheumatic)
The Therapists (Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapist) in the team specialise in providing one-to-one and group treatments for the management of these conditions. They will work with you to support you to manage your condition.
Outpatients
Patients who meet our referral criteria from consultants and GPs, are usually offered a one-to-one rheumatology therapy assessment to discuss and agree individual problems and a treatment plan going forward.
Your treatment plan could include:
- Individualised Exercise programme
- Hydrotherapy
- Pain management strategies
- Advice and education
- Manual therapy
- Gait training
- Splinting
- Guidance on aids for daily living
- Signposting to support groups
Inpatients
We have Rheumatology Rehabilitation beds to support those who would benefit from intensive rehabilitation. Referral is based on an individual basis and via the Consultant.
Once admitted for rehabilitation, you will receive an initial assessment by a Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist to identify your therapy goals and formulate a treatment plan and timetable for your week of rehabilitation.
Axial Spondyloarthritis patients
For patients who have an Axial Spondyloarthritis diagnosis, you will be under a specific consultant, with much of your care being monitored and provided by a named Specialist Physiotherapist. This will include any necessary support, rehabilitation and if on biologic medication, the prescribing and blood monitoring of the biologic. Usually, you will have an annual review in clinic outside of any course of rehabilitation.
Early Inflammatory Arthritis patients
For patients who have an Early Inflammatory Arthritis (EIA) diagnosis, your consultant can refer you on an EIA education session with a Rheumatology Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist as part of your early treatment plan.