Private Rheumatology services at our Dublin and Galway clinics
A patient may be referred to a rheumatologist if they are experiencing bone and joint symptoms, such as joint swelling or pain. A rheumatologist will aim to seek out a diagnosis for the cause of these symptoms and to find ways to reduce their impact on you. Diagnosis will involve a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and lab tests or imaging. Once diagnosed, a course of treatment can then be offered by the rheumatologist. This could include medications, lifestyle changes or occasionally, surgery. Rheumatology teams also play a key role in helping patients manage their symptoms with tailored monitoring and support. Blackrock Health offers quick and easy access to an expert rheumatology team in any of our three hospitals.
Rheumatology at Blackrock Health
At Blackrock Health, our consultant rheumatologists work with other experts to provide the best care. This team includes doctors, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, and rehabilitation specialists. The team aims to help manage a patient's condition, enabling them to reduce pain and increase mobility.
Why I might be referred
Disorders affecting bones and joints can lead to a variety of symptoms. These include pain, weakness, inflammation, and mobility issues. These symptoms may mean that you find it difficult to perform everyday activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs. You may be referred to a hospital for rheumatology services by your GP if you have tried other forms of treatment and are not seeing results.
Our expert rheumatology team
Rheumatologists
Rheumatology nurses
Physiotherapists
Occupational therapists
Radiologists
Dietitians
Laboratory technicians
Conditions treated by our rheumatology team include
osteoporosis
gout
inflammatory disorders such as rheumatological arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis
osteoarthritis
rheumatological disorders such as vasculitis and lupus
We work to identify the most appropriate treatments for your condition. This may include medications or lifestyle changes that aim to improve your symptoms. We can also advise on strategies to help you manage your condition - to reduce risk factors that can lead to potential flare ups.
What supports can our rheumatology team offer you?
Medicine and Pain Management
The rheumatology clinics in our hospitals typically offer a range of pain management solutions. This can range from lifestyle changes to physiotherapy and medication. Physiotherapy focuses on exercise to help reduce pain, increase range of motion, and maintain muscles. Lifestyle modifications may also be suggested. This could include losing weight to decrease joint strain and pursuing good posture and better ergonomics. Depending on the needs of each patient, these various treatments can be used alone or together to provide relief from pain.
Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. More recently, advances have been achieved in treating symptoms with biologics and immunomodulators. They work by reducing inflammation and helping to stop or slow down the progression of joint damage, in two different ways. Immunomodulators can modulate or suppress the inflammatory response. Biologics target specific components in the immune system. These medications may provide relief from pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatments are a crucial support for rheumatology patients. These may start with stretching, strengthening and range of motion exercises. They could also include joint mobilisation and manipulation, cold/heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and nerve blocks. Other options - such as ultrasound, aquatic therapy, and massage - can also be considered to improve your mobility and to decrease pain. All treatment plans are highly individualised and are based on each patient's specific needs.
Surgery
Blackrock Health offers several surgeries to help conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. These may include arthroscopy - a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems. Other options are joint replacement surgery to replace damaged or worn joints or fusion surgery to fuse two bones in the spine together. Surgery can also remove bone growths (bone spurs) to reduce friction and pain in the joint, and surgical repair of damaged cartilage.
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health rheumatology services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rheumatology
At Blackrock Health private hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a visit to our rheumatology clinic can be a stressful experience.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions specific to our rheumatology services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible.
What are common rheumatic diseases?
Common rheumatic diseases include inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, polymyalgia rheumatica, and vasculitis, among others.
What are the symptoms of rheumatic diseases?
Symptoms of rheumatic diseases may vary depending on the specific condition but can include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, redness, limited range of motion, fatigue, muscle weakness, joint deformities, skin rashes, fevers, and systemic symptoms such as weight loss or malaise.
What causes rheumatic diseases?
The exact causes of rheumatic diseases vary depending on the specific condition but may involve genetic predisposition, environmental factors (such as infections or exposure to toxins), immune system dysfunction, hormonal factors, and lifestyle factors (such as diet, smoking, or physical activity).
What are the treatment options for rheumatic diseases?
Treatment for rheumatic diseases aims to reduce symptoms, manage inflammation, preserve joint function, and improve quality of life. Treatment may include medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic therapies, corticosteroids, or pain relievers), lifestyle modifications (such as exercise, physical therapy, or dietary changes), and in some cases, surgery, or other interventions.
Can rheumatic diseases be cured?
While there is currently no cure for most rheumatic diseases, treatment can help control symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life for many patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for optimizing outcomes and minimizing complications.
What are the potential complications of rheumatic diseases?
Rheumatic diseases can lead to various complications, including joint damage, deformities, disability, systemic inflammation affecting other organs (such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, or skin), increased risk of infections, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and emotional or psychological effects (such as depression or anxiety).
What lifestyle changes can help manage rheumatic diseases?
Lifestyle changes that may help manage rheumatic diseases include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active with low-impact exercises (such as swimming or biking), practicing good posture and joint protection techniques, getting adequate rest and sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
