Rheumatology treatments

Rheumatology involves over 100 different diseases that are both chronic and unpredictable. To best treat patients, a team of professionals is involved. They work to assess the patient's symptoms and their physical, psychological and social effects.

Members of the rheumatology care team at Northwell Health may include the following:

• Rheumatologist (a physician who has additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones)
• Internists
• Orthopedic surgeons
• Physiatrists
• Nurses and nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Occupational therapists (helps restore upper extremity function for patients with problems related to activities of daily living including work, school, family, and community and leisure activities.)
• Physical therapists (helps restore function for patients with problems related to movement, muscle strength, exercise and joint function.)
• Psychologists (conducts cognitive assessments and helps the patient and family adjust to the disability)
• Case managers (helps plan, organize, coordinate and monitor services and resources for the patient.)
• Vocational therapists (assists people with disabilities to plan careers and find and keep satisfying jobs.)
• Health educators

Along with the patient, these professionals will craft a unique treatment plan for the management of rheumatic disease.