Physiotherapy

What is Rheumatology Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a type of therapy which aims to help reduce pain and swelling, prevent loss of joint function and to improve general fitness and muscle strength. This will maintain or improve overall physical function and independence.

Rheumatology Physiotherapists help in the treatment of various rheumatological conditions such as Inflammatory Arthritis (e.g. Rheumatoid, Psoriatic and Axial Spondyloarthropathies), Connective Tissue Disorders and metabolic bone conditions such as Osteoporosis. Their assessment will involve a series of questions followed by a physical examination to allow them to diagnose your problem and to tailor treatment specific to your needs.

What does Rheumatology Physiotherapy offer?

 

Education and Advice on:

  • Rheumatological conditions
  • flare management
  • pain management
  • exercise
  • activity management and pacing
  • self-management
  • general lifestyle advice

Mobility assessments and walking aid provision

Falls assessments

Exercise prescription and rehabilitation

Manual therapy, electrotherapy and acupuncture if indicated

Self-management group for patients with Inflammatory Arthritis

Injection therapy

Onwards referral to 3rd sector services

How can I access Rheumatology Physiotherapy?

You can access this service by referral from any member of the Rheumatology team (Consultant, Nurse, Occupational therapist or Podiatrist).  Your GP can also refer directly to physiotherapy or you can be transferred to our service by the community physiotherapy team.

You can also self-refer by either emailing gram.rheumadvice@nhs.scot or calling 01224 555039.  Please note this telephone number goes straight to answer phone.  Please leave your name, date of birth or CHI if known along with a short description of your problem. 

Your symptoms could be due to your rheumatology condition, but could also be caused by other common conditions. You might find it useful to look at the following website for more information and advice.

www.mskphysiogrampian.scot.nhs.uk

What to Expect

Your first appointment will be face to face, on the telephone or via our online platform Near Me.  The appointment will be for 60 minutes. Please note, for the majority of conditions, a physical examination will be required, therefore a face to face appointment would be recommended.  If your appointment is on-line, details about this will be shared with you prior to the appointment.

The Rheumatology physiotherapy department is located in Ashgrove house at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (add a map?). Upon entering Ashgrove house you take a left past the reception and then the first right after the toilets and down the stairs.   There is a small waiting area with seating for patients.

The initial appointment can last up to 60 minutes.

For face to face appointments please wear loose comfortable clothing. If you have a leg or back problem, please bring a pair of shorts or wear loose fitting clothing. The physiotherapist may ask you to undress to your underwear in order to examine you, this is optional and only if you are comfortable to do so.

Telephone: Please ensure you are available at the allocated appointment time and in an environment where you are comfortable to discuss your condition with a physiotherapist. Please ensure you can move around as the physiotherapist may ask you to complete a movement / activity / exercise.

Video: Please ensure you are available at the allocated appointment time and in an environment where you are comfortable to discuss your condition with a physiotherapist. In order to undergo a video consultation you will need the following;

A private well-lit area where you won’t be disturbed

A good connection to the internet

An android or iOS device

Link to the near me platform.

Please ensure that you can move around as the physiotherapist may ask you to complete a movement/activity or exercise during the consultation.

Resources


On-line exercise videos:

aiMs self-management group – warm up, cool down and general exercise programme AiMS Group - YouTube

Hypermobility general exercise programme Hypermobility - YouTube

Pilates for Hypermobility Pilates for Hypermobility - YouTube

 

Patient Information Leaflets

 

SWAYs

 

3rd sector links

Published: 14/10/2025 08:44