PHYSICAL THERAPY IN SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS PA TIENTS

Physical therapy of progressive systemic sclerosis, similar to pharmac otherapy, focuses on the regulation of blood flow in peripheral circul atory disturbances, the influence on metaplastic processes of connecti ve tissue and the modulation of cellular and humoral immune systems. T he following treatments are available according to the predominant cli nical features of the disease: carbon dioxide bath and massage of the connective tissue improve the cutaneous microcirculation, lymph draina ge by hand accelerates the removal of extensively produced tissue flui d, different techniques of massage treatment aim at delaying hardening metaplastic processes and physiotherapy and remedial occupational the rapy aim at inducing and restoring the mobility of the entire organism and at preventing local cutaneous contractures. Respiratory exercises try to preserve breathing capacity and function as long as possible. Sauna baths are applied to promote both thermoregulation and blood flo w; on the other hand, there are hints that the sauna bath can stimulat e and modulate immunological processes. All these therapies mentioned above do not represent alternative or supportive methods to pharmacolo gical treatments, but are neccessary supplements in the treatment of s cleroderma. They should be applied from the early onset of the disease and be implemented as a self-treatment programe.