Rheumatism: what it is and how we help

Rheumatism at a glance

Rheumatism is an older, everyday word for aches, pains and stiffness in the joints and muscles. Doctors now use more specific diagnoses, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, fibromyalgia or soft tissue rheumatism like bursitis and tendinopathy. If you have been told you have rheumatism, a clearer diagnosis helps you get the right treatment.

Conditions often described as rheumatism

• Osteoarthritis: joint pain and stiffness with activity.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: swollen, painful joints with long morning stiffness.
• Polymyalgia rheumatica: sudden shoulder and hip stiffness in people over 50.
• Fibromyalgia: widespread pain and fatigue.
• Soft tissue rheumatism: bursitis, tendinopathy and muscle pain.

How is rheumatism diagnosed?

Your GP will examine you and may arrange blood tests for inflammation and specific antibodies, and sometimes X-rays or ultrasound. Inflammatory conditions are referred to a rheumatologist.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Inflammatory conditions need medication from your doctor. Across all types, staying active, strengthening and pacing reduce pain and stiffness.

How we help in Chiswick

• Physiotherapy: assessment, exercise and pacing plans.
• Manual therapy: soft tissue work for stiff, aching muscles.
• Red light therapy: whole-body NovoTHOR sessions for aches and stiffness.
• Acupuncture: an adjunct for pain relief.
• Ayurveda: warming routines and diet guidance, alongside medical treatment.

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, usually in people over 50. Stiffness is typically worst in the morning and can make getting out of bed or dressing difficult. It is treated by a doctor with steroid tablets, which usually work quickly. Because it can occur alongside giant cell arteritis, a new headache or change in vision needs urgent care.

Blood tests for rheumatism

Blood tests help tell the different types apart. Inflammation markers such as CRP and ESR are often raised in inflammatory conditions and polymyalgia rheumatica. Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies support a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and uric acid is checked for gout. Normal results with widespread pain may point towards osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.

Does cold or damp weather make it worse?

Many people feel stiffer and achier in cold, damp weather. The research is mixed, but keeping warm, staying active and using heat on stiff joints helps many people through the winter months.

What to expect at Omnia

We ask where you ache, how long morning stiffness lasts and about any diagnosis you already have, then assess movement and strength. If inflammation has not been ruled out, we can arrange blood tests and share the results with your GP. Your plan combines exercise and pacing with manual therapy, warming therapies and red light therapy for comfort.

What you can do at home

• Take a warm shower or bath to ease morning stiffness
• Move gently throughout the day
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your doctor
• Stay warm in cold weather

Related: arthritis and joint pain. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.