This book presents the most efficient rehabilitation methods in the different stages of the rheumatic diseases. It aims at expanding the knowledge of rheumatological rehabilitation, which has proven to enhance, if correctly prescribed and carried out, the effectiveness of pharmacological therapy, reducing its use. Besides, the book aims at encouraging scientific studies, the development of guidelines and the training of highly specialized medical and paramedical personnel who can validly perform the proposed treatments on rheumatic patients.The first part of the book explores the rehabilitation approach to the rheumatic patient, which must be specific, personalized and comprehensive, as well as the assessment of the patient's global health in all its components. Then, useful methods such as postural re-education, water rehabilitation, lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, balneotherapy, etc., are addressed by experienced specialists. Particular attention is given to mind-body therapies (Feldenkrais, Qi Gong, Tai Chi Quan, Yoga, Mindfulness, Pilates and the Rességuier method), which are little known, but very useful for some rheumatic diseases. The second part of the book is dedicated to the treatment of all rheumatic diseases. Each chapter describing the pathology is followed by chapters based on the scientific evidence of the rehabilitation in its various aspects and guidelines developed by scientific societies from different countries. Subsequent chapters deal with the rehabilitation approach to various joints at different phases of the disease.The book is aimed at rheumatologists, physiatrists, physiotherapists, and nurses, and can be adopted in degree courses for physiotherapists, in postgraduate schools in rheumatology, in postgraduate master courses in rheumatological rehabilitation and in courses for physiotherapists.
