Physiotherapy Management of Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Physiotherapy is an integral part of the non-drug treatment strategy for rheumatological conditions. The evidence for its effects is not formal. The objective was to evaluate the impact of physiotherapy in the management of rheumatological disorders. Methods: 6-month case-control study (December 15, 2021 to June 20, 2022) at Ignace Deen University Hospital (Conakry). Patients with rheumatological disease who received drug therapy and physiotherapy were included in the case group. Age-and sex-matched controls had rheumatological conditions, treated without physiotherapy. The evaluation questionnaires were used: WOMAC (osteoarthritis), EIFEL (low back pain), NDI (neck pain), SPADI (shoulder). Patients with heart failure, respiratory failure and/or skin infection were not included. Results: We collected 773 patients (389 cases and 384 controls) with a mean age of 53.8 years ± 12.2 with female predominance (56.8%). Patients were mainly followed for osteoarthritis (65.2%). Rheumatological conditions managed were knee-based (119; 30.6%), lumbar spine (220; 56.6%), shoulders (27; 6.9%) and cervical spine (23; 5.9%). For an average duration of 53.4 ± 12.2 minutes per session, patients had benefited from a median of 19 physiotherapy sessions. After 3 months, the baseline mean VAS of 6/10 improved to 2.2 ± 1.6 for cases and 5.7 ± 1.2 for controls. Functional capacity was improved (WOMAC: 41.8 ± 22.7 vs. 18.3 ± 7.3). The satisfaction of patients treated with physiotherapy was 20 times higher than in controls. Conclusion: Physiotherapy performed in the management of rheumatological conditions significantly reduced pain and improved functional capacity.