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Rheumatology Occupational Therapy

 

Introduction 

Rheumatology OT accept Primary Care referrals for patients with diagnosed rheumatological conditions, that have been diagnosed by a General Practitioner or consultant.  They are part of the Rheumatology MDT for RCHT.

 

They can provide: 

  • Activities of daily living advice to promote independent functioning, regarding work, home, personal care, educational activity and leisure. 
     
  • Splint and Bracing, to protect joints, aid function, and support activity, correct deformity. Off the shelf and custom-made splints. 
     
  • Exercise for hand/wrists. 
     
  • Advice re; pain and fatigue management (relating to their current rheumatological condition) and improvement of fitness. 
     
  • Advice regarding a variety of independence equipment, types, what to look for and self-purchase. The service do not provide home visits to fit equipment. 
     
  • Provide documented support for patients and communication with schools, universities and employers when needed to enable ‘best support’ for patients.  


 

Referral criteria 

Conditions treated include: 

  • Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis JIA)  
     
  • Axial spondyloarthritis 
     
  • Joint Hypermobility Syndromes e.g. Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, stickler syndrome. 
     
  • Connective tissue diseases including:
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
       
    • Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma
       
    • Polymyalgia rheumatica
       
    • Vasculitis 
       
  • Osteoporosis (complex) 
     
  • Degenerative arthritis: e.g. OA if this is part of complex rheumatology symptoms for a patient. Monoarthritic changes e.g.  OA knee would be seen by orthopaedic teams, or splint and bracing services. 

 

Exclusion criteria 

  • Suspected rheumatological conditions, please refer to Rheumatology for consultant opinion as needed.  Please see RMS Rheumatology guidelines for further information 
     
  • Primary fibromyalgia 
     
  • Trauma 
     
  • Orthopaedic problems 


 

Referral instructions 

Direct refer on eRS 

On eRS Rheumatology OT is found under  

Rheumatology > Other autoimmune rheumatic disease > Rheumatology Occupational Therapy 


   

Page Review Information 

Review date:

17 March 2026 

Next review date:

17 March 2028 

Clinical editor: 

Dr Rebecca Hopkins 

Contributors:

Tracy Furniss, Occupational Therapist Rheumatology Service, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust