A patient may be referred to a rheumatologist if they are experiencing bone and joint symptoms, such as joint swelling or pain. A rheumatologist will aim to seek out a diagnosis for the cause of these symptoms, and to find ways to reduce their impact on you. Diagnosis will involve a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and lab tests or imaging. Once diagnosed, a course of treatment can then be offered by the rheumatologist. This could include medications, lifestyle changes or occasionally, surgery. Rheumatology teams also play a key role to help patients manage their symptoms - with tailored monitoring and supports. Blackrock Health offers quick and easy access to an expert rheumatology team in any of our three hospitals.
At Blackrock Health, our consultant rheumatologists work with other experts to provide the best care. This team includes doctors, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and rehabilitation specialists. The team’s aim is to help manage a patient's condition, enabling them to reduce pain and increase mobility.
Conditions treated by a rheumatology team include:
- osteoporosis
- gout
- inflammatory disorders such as rheumatological arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatological disorders such as vasculitis and lupus
We aim to identify appropriate treatments for your condition. This may include medications or lifestyle changes that aim to improve your symptoms. We can also advise on strategies to help you manage your condition - to reduce risk factors that can lead to potential flare ups.
What supports can our rheumatology team offer you?
Medicine and Pain Management
The rheumatology clinics in our hospitals typically offer a range of pain management solutions. This can range from lifestyle changes to physiotherapy and medication. Physiotherapy focuses on exercise to help reduce pain, increase range of motion and maintain muscles. Lifestyle modifications may also be suggested. This could include losing weight to decrease joint strain and pursuing good posture and better ergonomics. Depending on the particular needs of each patient, these various treatments can be used alone or together to provide relief from pain.
Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. More recently, advances have been achieved in treating symptoms with biologics and immunomodulators. They work by reducing inflammation and helping to stop or slow down the progression of joint damage, in two different ways. Immunomodulators can modulate or suppress the inflammatory response. Biologics target specific components in the immune system. These medications may provide relief from pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatments are a crucial support for rheumatology patients. These may start with stretching, strengthening and range of motion exercises. They could also include joint mobilisation and manipulation, cold/heat therapy, electrical stimulation and nerve blocks. Other options - such as ultrasound, aquatic therapy and massage - can also be considered to improve your mobility and to decrease pain. All treatment plans are highly individualised and are based on each patient's specific needs.
Surgery
Blackrock Health offers several surgeries to help conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. These may include arthroscopy - a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems. Other options are joint replacement surgery to replace damaged or worn joints or fusion surgery to fuse two bones in the spine together. Surgery can also remove bone growths (bone spurs) to reduce friction and pain in the joint, and surgical repair of damaged cartilage.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
