A local rheumatologist is a physician who has taken additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. A local rheumatologist may treat conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus and eosinophilic granulomatosis. Your local rheumatologist may work with your local physiotherapist, who may use techniques such as rehabilitative ultrasound, exercise and manual therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma). They may also work with your local family physician to create your health and wellness plan.
Back pain symptoms can be mild or severe, and cervical (neck pain), thoracic (middle back pain), lumbar (lower back pain) or tailbone/sacral (coccydynia). Lumbar back pain is the most common type. Orthopaedic physiotherapy focuses on treating injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and associated joints, ligaments and muscles. An orthopaedic physiotherapist also helps patients with pre- and post-operative recovery and rehabilitation.