Doctors often recommend exercise and physical therapy as a form of treatment for myositis. Maintaining strength and flexibility is important to your overall health, and exercise has been shown to decrease inflammation and increase muscle strength.
Since myositis is rare, it is likely that many therapists have never heard of these diseases. Your doctor may be able to suggest a therapist who has experience with myositis patients. Even having no experience with myositis, the therapist should be able to design a program for someone with muscle inflammation and weakness.
TMA has a number of resources that you can share with your physical therapist that can help her/him design an exercise program that works for your needs.
The following guidelines may be helpful in selecting a physical therapist for your treatment:
- Ask the therapist if he/she has treated anyone with a similar condition.
- Be wary of the therapist who claims to be able to cure you or who brushes off myositis as trivial.
- Find out if they are willing to research myositis and/or consult with your primary doctor.
The following resources can help you search for a physical therapist near you: