Physiotherapy for Lupus

[SLE-Warrior]

Hi everyone,

I am been using a walking stick since February 2020. Initially, I thought the walking stick would improve my mobility and in the last few months, I was having problems with hip pain occasionally.

I have considered I may need to support with my mobility and walking as I have noticed I am walking with a limp which is not comfortable for me.

I have contacted my GP and she will make a referral. I am unsure how long this will take due to COVID-19. I am excited that the process is about to begin.

[SLE-Warrior]

It is really hard to explain to your GP or consultant how much pain you are in. They are unable to see you over the phone which causes barrier between patient and consultant. You have to hope they will take your concerns seriously.

[Lisa6161]

Hi BP27. I use a stick and my mobility isn't great. I was first sent to a hydrotherapy pool, which really helped. Other than that, I have always been told to do non weight bearing exercise. I now swim everyday and sometimes ride a bicycle. It's incredible the difference it has made. I always say "use it or lose it. "

Best of luck.

[fabwheelie]

I do find any kind of "keep moving" does help. It's a question of finding a gentle exercise you like and that is manageable.

It doesn't have to be complicated. Just doing a slow short walk with my dog every day has helped me lots.

I've also found physiotherapy really helpful, and supportive. My Rheumatology department have their own sub-team of physiotherapists occupational therapists etc, and I do daily physio for specific pains in my hips, and for my upper back... Very useful I only had 1 appointment each, with them and follow up to check how I was getting on for my hip pains, & for my shoulder blade/ upper back pain, as I'm able to do the exercises and think they do help, hence my physiotherapist didn't think I needed to keep returning for further appointments.

My physio/ Musculo Skeletal ( MSK) team can also do the localised steroid injections, so I don't need to wait a long time for consultant slots in order to get those when I need them

Water based exercises are good too especially for any pain in your joints

I also use a walking stick .. again helpful to ease overall pain.

I think it's a question of do as many different things as possible to aid pain management, as there's not really any "total cure" , but each little thing added together can make a difference