Case Report: Rehabilitation of a 65 Year-Old Female with Statin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis is a debilitating condition of muscle breakdown that can lead to severe functional limitations. Prior reports of physical therapy treatment have focused on athletes and military personal following acute exertional rhabdomyolysis, however there is minimal information for treatment of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis in the geriatric population. A 65 year-old female with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis due to the interaction of atorvastatin and clarithromycin was seen in an out-patient orthopedic clinic for weakness, fatigue, and difficulty completing daily tasks. The treatment approach was adapted from work based on previous military programs in managing acute exertional rhabdomyolysis by decreasing the pace and intensity of the exercises to accommodate an elderly patient, but still maintaining a focus on achieving active range of motion before progressing to isotonic exercises and functional activities. Primary outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go (TUG), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and 5 Time Sit to Stand (5xSTS). By discharge all outcome measures demonstrated improvement and the patient was able to return to work.