Role of physiotherapy in the treatment of shoulder pain in rheumatic diseases – the state of actual knowledge

Abstract

The study presents the current problems concerning the principles of physiotherapeutic treatment of shoulder pain syndromes in the course of rheumatic diseases. The principles of the treatment in the most common rheumatic diseases such as RA, OA and SpA are discussed. Particular attention has been paid to the importance of kinesitherapeutic treatment, while indicating the role of treatment with physical methods in the field of thermotherapy, electrotherapy, laser therapy, the use of ultrasounds and magnetic field. Balneological treatment with myorelaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects is of complementary importance. The summary emphasizes that the goal of rehabilitation in shoulder pain syndromes in the course of rheumatic diseases is not only to achieve analgesic effect and improve the functional status, but, above all, an individual and comprehensive therapy aimed at improving the efficiency of the patients, enabling return to daily activities. The implementation of an effective and complex therapeutic program requires the simultaneous undertaking of comprehensive activities: educational, developing an individual strategy of physiotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic treatment, the use of individually selected orthopedic supplies, as well as offering social assistance. In order to perform above procedures, a multidisciplinary team is necessary. Only the most immediate possible implementation of interdisciplinary and complex procedures makes enables patients to return to full family, social and professional activity.