Utilization of physiotherapy by patients with rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Rheumatic diseases are common musculoskeletal disorders reducing the functional ability and health-related quality of life of patients. Physical therapy (PT) is one of the most important treatment elements, and evidence suggests its effectiveness in reducing impairment and disability. However, little is known about PT utilization by patients with rheumatic disorders in Germany. Especially, influencing factors have rarely been investigated. In the analysis of overuse, misuse, and underuse, health services data can suggest positive as well as negative influencing factors, and these factors can then be specifically targeted if action is required. In this chapter, a secondary analysis of the RheumaDat Panel is presented. It aimed to determine the prevalence of PT utilization and its potential predictors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.