Breadcrumb trail
- Centre for Pain Medicine
- Pain Medicine
- Orthopaedics/Rheumatology
Contents
Orthopaedics/Rheumatology
The fields of orthopaedics and rheumatology are concerned with the body’s locomotor system, its particular diseases, and its functional processes. The bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves are the building blocks that constitute our postural and motor apparatus.
Central diagnostic procedures include examination of the body’s static structures as well as analysis of its functions and movement processes. The main goal is the evaluation of pain-provoking factors and possible restrictions of everyday activities.
While imaging studies (such as radiographs, MRI, ultrasound) show the structure and condition of the bones and joints, these films and measurements in themselves give no indication as to the function or stress capacity of the affected structures. Additional functional examinations are necessary for this purpose, such as postural analysis and foot-pressure measurement, tests of balance, coordination, and risk of falling, measurement of strength and endurance, and analysis of work postures.
The results of the above examinations form the basis for initiating an interdisciplinary, function-oriented rehabilitation program. Numerous activating measures and techniques – in the form of individual or group therapies – are available.
