Open AccessApplying Physical Therapy on Scleroderma Patients. A Clinical Case
Author(s) -
Аліна Віталіївна Ольховик,
Oleksandr Yurchenko,
Olha Yezhova,
Vladyslav A Smiianov,
Inna Vitaliivna Mordvinova,
Alla Vladyslavivna Yurchenko,
Іван Салатенко,
Olha Ihnatieva
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta balneologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2082-1867
DOI - 10.36740/abal201904111
Subject(s) - medicine , muscle contracture , physical therapy , massage , physical examination , scleroderma (fungus) , wrist , sclerodactyly , dermatomyositis , quality of life (healthcare) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , calcinosis , pathology , alternative medicine , nursing , inoculation , calcification
Scleroderma remains one of the most severe rheumatic diseases and is characterized by a progressive course, disability, and a high level of mortality. According to world statistics, the average disease incidence rate ranges from 0.6 to 19 per 1 million, spreading out – from 4 to 242 per 1 million. An early start of physical therapy with the inclusion of new techniques in conjunction with medical treatment remains topical.Aim: To develop and experimentally test the effectiveness of a complex physical therapy program for people with a limited form of scleroderma.Clinical case: The study involved a woman with a limited form of scleroderma. At the beginning and the end of the study, laboratory studies were conducted: the level of hemoglobin, ESR, ionized calcium, Scl-70 (ANA-Screen); clinical signs were investigated: swelling of the hands, Raynaud’s phenomenon, fibrous myopathy, skin tightening assessment (according to G. Rodnan), goniometric studies and manual muscle testing. Physical therapy consisted of: daily kinesiotherapy in the form of active-passive exercises with an emphasis on fine motor skills of fingers and active exercises for the temporomandibular joint, coniferous salt bath for wrists, therapeutic massage and Kinesio taping of wrists.As a result of the study, the mobility of the joints of the upper limbs increased by an average of 5-35 °; the muscle strength increased from 3 to 5 points and the quality of life of the patient improved.Conclusions: Physical therapy made it possible to improve the mobility of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints, increase muscle strength, and reduce the main manifestations of the disease. The continuation of physical therapy complex will improve the quality of life of these patients and the further prognosis of treatment.