Who is your Physiotherapist?

Rheumatology Physiotherapists help in the treatment of various rheumatology conditions, such as Rheumatoid arthritis and Psoriatic arthritis. We are part of a team along with Rheumatology Consultants, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists, and Rheumatology nurse specialists. We will speak to you about what you want to get out of your treatment with the team.

We need to find out about any pain or other problems you are having.  We will ask you questions and the examine you if we feel that this is needed. We will discuss your condition with you so we can decide together what you want to get out of physiotherapy.

When will you see a Physiotherapist?

We are often an important part of helping you to manage your condition. We will give different help to different people.

You might be referred to us after you have been at the rheumatology clinic for the first time. We may give you information and advice about your condition and how to manage it at this stage.

Your GP or another health professional can also refer you to see us. You can also refer yourself if you are struggling with pain or problems affecting your body.

What to expect

Your first appointment will be over the telephone because of Covid-19 measures. We will ask you questions about your symptoms and any difficulties you are having. This will take up to 45 minutes.  We will find out about any problems you are having, and we can decide on your treatment plan together. We will then decide with you if your next appointment will be over the telephone, on a video call, or face to face.

What Physiotherapy can offer you?

We can give you education and advice on:

• How to recognise and deal with a flare-up of your condition. This is when your pain or difficulties suddenly get worse than usual
• When to exercise and when to rest
• How to make changes to your daily activities to protect your joints

Some treatments you may get are:

• Advice or education to help you to deal with your condition
• Movement and exercise programmes
• Walking aids, such as a stick or crutches
• Help to improve your walking
• Hydrotherapy (moving and exercising in a special pool)
• Referral to community leisure services

Common Conditions​ 

Your symptoms could be from your rheumatology condition, but they could also be caused by other common conditions. You might find it useful to look at the website for musculoskeletal physiotherapy (MSK) for more information and advice.

How often will you be seen?

Your consultant or specialist nurse will see you regularly. They will decide how often they need to see you. They can refer you to us if they think it is needed.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is when movement and exercises are done in a special pool of warm water.

In NHS Lanarkshire we have one hydrotherapy pool at University Hospital Wishaw.

Hydrotherapy can be used for various rheumatology conditions.  We can take referrals for hydrotherapy from other physiotherapists or from the rheumatology team.  You cannot self-refer to hydrotherapy.

If you are referred for hydrotherapy, we will go through a checklist with you to make sure it is safe for you to use the pool and you will be referred to your local pool.

We would not offer you hydrotherapy if you have had it before for the same problem.  We might also refer you to your local swimming pool instead of hydrotherapy.

You will be given up to 4 sessions of hydrotherapy. We will decide with you how many sessions you will need. We will show you suitable exercises in the pool that you can then do yourself at your local swimming pool.

How can I access Rheumatology Physiotherapy in NHS Lanarkshire?

You can be referred by your Rheumatology consultant or Rheumatology N Specialist.

You can be referred by another healthcare professional or your GP.

You can now refer yourself to using our online form Physiotherapy MSK Self-Referral Form.

You can now directly self-refer for a walking aid or splint using the form. If you are unable to complete this form, your GP can refer you.