Autoimmune conditions and physical therapy are two topics not often mentioned in the same sentence. However, as incidences of autoimmune conditions continue to rise, it’s only natural that physical therapy treatment and practice would evolve to help address an ever increasing cohort of patients. With a list of over 100 known autoimmune diseases and more illnesses being associated with some form of autoimmunity, the chances that either you or a loved one will be affected by an autoimmune condition is quite high.

I was honored to be interviewed in a recent PT in Motion article, Treating Patients with Autoimmune Conditions, by Greg Gargiulo. He highlights many autoimmune conditions treated by physical therapists and explains how physical therapists are in a unique position to help patients manage and thrive in spite of his/her illness.

During my interview, I specifically spoke with him about the importance of knowing and understanding how autoimmune disease can affect physical therapy treatment.

Physical therapists must understand all types of autoimmune conditions in order to help patients understand that his/her condition may impact the physical therapy plan of care and the duration it takes for a complete recovery. For example, conditions such as Crohn’s Disease can affect nutrient absorption which ultimately will affect a person’s ability to heal.

To read the entire article, please click: Treating Patients with Autoimmune Conditions. A special thanks to Greg Gargiulo for his excellent article and for spreading the word on physical therapy and autoimmune conditions!