Living with a rheumatic disease can be a daily challenge. Pain, joint stiffness and limited movement interfere not only with basic tasks, but also with quality of life. The good news is that physical exercise, when properly guided and adapted, is one of the most effective tools for reducing symptoms and improving autonomy.
At Physioclem, we believe that no two patients are alike. Each person arrives with their own history, limitations, expectations, and goals. That is why the clinical exercise we design is always individualised and supervised by physiotherapists, ensuring safety and consistent results.
Why is exercise so important in rheumatology?
Scientific research clearly shows that therapeutic exercise helps to:
- Reduce joint and muscle pain;
- Improve mobility and range of motion;
- Strengthen muscles, protecting joints;
- Increase physical endurance and energy in daily life;
- Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression;
- Prevent complications and delay the progression of disability.
A study by de Zwart et al. (2022) showed that both high-intensity and low-intensity strength training programmes, supervised by physiotherapists, resulted in significant gains in strength and functionality in people with knee osteoarthritis, without increasing pain. This is just one example of how science proves that exercise is safe and effective when tailored to individual needs.
How we do it at Physioclem
In our clinical practice, exercise is always tailored to each individual. To do this, we follow a few principles:
- Comprehensive initial assessment: we analyse not only physical condition, but also emotional and social factors.
- Setting clear goals: these may include reducing pain, improving mobility, returning to sport, or simply performing everyday tasks with greater independence.
- Progressive and adaptable plans: exercise is adjusted according to progress, respecting limits and valuing each achievement.
- Constant supervision: we ensure that each movement is performed correctly, preventing risks and maximising benefits.
- Integration into a multidisciplinary team: we work side by side with doctors and other health professionals whenever necessary.
Clinical exercise vs. generic exercise
It is important to emphasise that clinical exercise is different from exercise done in a gym or at home without guidance. In rheumatic diseases, the prescription must respect the stage of the disease, the degree of inflammation, the person's tolerance to load and their functional capacity. A poorly adapted movement can aggravate symptoms, while a well-structured plan can transform the user's life.
Practical recommendations
Based on scientific evidence and our clinical experience, we offer some general guidelines:
- Exercise should be regular, at least 2 to 3 times a week.
- A combination of strength training, aerobic exercise, and mobility exercises offers the best results.
- Supervised programmes are safer and more effective than exercising alone.
- Progression should be gradual, valuing small achievements.
At Physioclem, we believe that clinical exercise is more than a technique, it is personalised care. It is looking at each person, understanding their challenges and helping them to build an active and healthy path. Because caring is also about providing movement, confidence and hope.
References
de Zwart A, van der Esch M, van der Leeden M, Roorda LD, Dekker J, Lems WF. Comparative effectiveness of high- versus low-intensity resistance training in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Arthritis Care Res. 2022;74(3):396–405.
Fransen M, McConnell S, Harmer AR, Van der Esch M, Simic M, Bennell KL. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: a Cochrane systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(24):1554–7.
Directorate-General for Health. National Programme for Rheumatic Diseases. Lisbon: DGS; 2012.
Hurkmans EJ, van der Giesen FJ, Vliet Vlieland TP, Schoones J, Van den Ende EC. Dynamic exercise programmes (aerobic capacity and/or muscle strength training) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;2009(4):CD006853.
