The clinician’s role in rehabilitation begins with evaluating a patient’s therapy needs and then deciding what type of therapy meets those needs. Certain conditions require referral to a physical or occupational therapist while others need attention from a medical specialist. However, many conditions can be treated within the clinician’s office, and it is vital that rheumatologists know how to demonstrate exercise techniques to patients for home programs.
Rheumatologists can also be instrumental in encouraging patients who have not been exercising to begin a conditioning program to improve their general health as well as to alleviate symptoms specific to their conditions. Clinical providers have several treatment options, and by becoming familiar with the requirements for each, they can select the best one to fit their patients’ individual needs.
Ann Kepler is a medical journalist based in Chicago.