We hope this website provides you with all the information you need before making or coming to your appointment. If you find you need more information please give our friendly staff a call on 07 3284 5035.
A rheumatologist is a specialist physician with expertise in the diagnosis and holistic management of
diseases that affect joints, muscles and bones. We treat different types of arthritis, autoimmune
connective tissue diseases, soft tissue disorders, metabolic bone disorders such as osteoporosis, and
chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
Diagnosis: Your rheumatologist is specially trained to do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of your symptoms. He or she will usually ask you to explain the history of the problem and will undertake a physical examination. Additional investigations such as blood tests, x-rays and scans may also be needed.
Information and Advice: Once a diagnosis is made, your rheumatologist will explain the nature of your illness and what you might expect in the future. This is an important step, particularly for illnesses that might affect you over a long period.
Treatment: With an accurate diagnosis and a shared understanding of your illness, you and your rheumatologist can work together to design a treatment program aimed at managing pain, reducing inflammation and ensuring your quality of life.
Ongoing Management: Depending on the nature of your illness, you may need to see your rheumatologist regularly for ongoing management. Alternatively you may be treated by your GP, with the rheumatologist on hand for specialist advice.
Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA):
The ARA supports and educates members and other practitioners in the musculoskeletal field to enable provision of best possible management for patients. It fosters excellence in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions through training, professional development, research and advocacy.
Visit www.rheumatology.org.au to learn more.
Arthritis Australia (AR): The Arthritis Australia website is a comprehensive site for all arthritis sufferers. It provides information on self-management courses, seminars and various other local support groups and activities.
Visit www.arthritisaustralia.com.au to learn more.
Osteoporosis Australia (OA):
Osteoporosis is a common disease affecting over 1 million Australians. This disease makes bones become brittle leading to a higher risk of breaks than in normal bone. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium, more quickly than the body can replace them, causing a loss of bone thickness (bone density or mass).
Visit www.osteoporosis.org.au to learn more.
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA):
The Australian Physiotherapy Association provides general information and can help you find a local physiotherapist.
Visit www.physiotherapy.asn.au to learn more.
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA):
Exercise Physiologists (EP) motivate those who don’t exercise to move more and demonstrate to all
Australians the importance of seeking the right exercise expert for their requirements. Their website
provides general information and can help you find a local EP.
Visit www.essa.org.au to learn more
Your GP will normally refer you to rheumatologist if they feel that further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis or if they think you might need specialist treatment.