Physical therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis: the patients’ perspective

To assess the duration, frequency, and content of individual physical therapy (PT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

In this cross-sectional study, an electronic questionnaire aimed at people with RA and axSpA was distributed through various communication channels of the Dutch Arthritis Foundation. It comprised questions on sociodemographic and health characteristics, received PT (currently and/or in the past year) and, if applicable, its duration, frequency, and content (active exercises, manual treatment, physical modalities, and/or counselling/education).

The study included 257 and 94 patients with self-reported diagnoses of RA and axSpA, of whom 163 (63%) and 77 (82%) currently or had recently received individual PT. The duration of individual PT was long-term (> 3 months) in 79% of RA and 83% of axSpA patients, with an average frequency of once per week in most. Although active exercises and counselling/education were each reported by ≥ 73% of the patients with RA and axSpA who received long-term individual PT, passive treatment modalities were also often offered (≥ 89%), in particular massage, kinesiotaping, and/or passive mobilization. The same pattern was seen in patients receiving short-term PT.

The majority of patients with RA and axSpA received PT currently or in the past year, usually individually, long-term, and at a frequency of once a week. Although active exercises and education are recommended in guidelines, passive treatment options that are not advised were relatively often reported. An implementation study to identify barriers and facilitators regarding adherence to clinical practice guidelines seems warranted.