Klinikum Malcherhof Baden

Drug treatment is an important pillar in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Depending on the indications, drugs are tailored to each patient’s needs. Besides analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immunomodulatory based therapies (DMARDs) and biologics, if necessary, analgesic anti-rheumatic compound infusions are used.

The goal is a low disease activity or a permanent or at least temporary easing of the symptoms of the disease especially, in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Eliminating pain and improving the patient’s quality of life are other important parameters.

Physical therapy is the center of treatment for rheumatic diseases, with its various methods. Depending on symptoms, diagnosis and course of disease, it has a special significance. The primary goal is - as with the other treatment options too - active mobility and pain relief. Different treatments and techniques are used and combined:

• Aquatic movement therapy
  At Malcherhof Baden Medical Center a large swimming pool as well as a smaller exercise pool are available for underwater movement therapy. This therapy is implemented in groups or individually as required.
• Thermal baths with sulfur water (tub)
• Group or individual movement therapy
• Thermotherapy
• Physical therapy tables
• Medical training equipment
• Electrotherapy
• Massage therapy / underwater massage
• Lymphatic drainage
• CPM / Motomed movement therapy systems
• Biofeedback
• Pelvic floor training

The means of ergotherapy (occupational therapy) also help patients to restore or at least support their limited abilities. It intends to make reintegration into everyday life as well as work life possible. The goal is to ensure preferably independent living and ultimately improve the quality of life.

Occupational therapy not only encompasses different exercises, but also incorporates the use of machines and various aids:

• Instructions for physiological use of the locomotor system
• Individual therapy, group therapy, ergonomic advice, posture training
• Functional training of the upper and lower extremities
• Hand therapy, paraffin therapy, and weaving
• Equipment Training: shoulder motion device (CPM machine), parallel bars, continuous passive motion therapy of lower extremities
• Manufacture of orthoses
• Promotion of ADL (activities of daily living) skills
• Balance Training
• Joint protection lecture, back exercises, total joint replacement surgery (THR) talk

Entails:

• Chiropractic 
  The name of this form of therapy is derived from the Greek word for hand ("Chiros"). Accordingly, the hand is a chiropractor’s only tool. The goal is the restoration of joint mobility - especially in the spine. Both the perturbed joint play and displacement are considered.
• Osteopathic techniques
  Osteopathy is not unlike chiropractic, however, it originates from another school. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones as well as internal organs are in motion and are ideally in constant contact with each other. If movement of individual systems is impaired, different symptoms can develop, which the osteopath treats with special manual techniques.

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, and is used at Malcherhof Baden Medical Center to treat functional disorders of the locomotor apparatus.

At Malcherhof Baden experienced psychologists conduct one-on-one interviews and discussions. Offers include:

• Jacobsen relaxation exercises
• Autogenic training
• Smoking cessation
• Work Life Balance

As part of many training sessions and presentations at Malcherhof Baden Medical Center, patients receive comprehensive help and tips on coping with their daily lives and improve their health.

• Nordic Walking
• Total hip replacement (THR) talk
• Joint protection lecture
• Back exercise program
• Fall Prevention
• Diabetes education and lectures
• Lipid metabolism lecture
• Osteoporosis Lecture
• Rhythm therapy