Soft Tissue Rheumatism Treatment & Therapy

Soft Tissue Rheumatism Therapy & Treatment

Soft tissue rheumatism is a disease that many people struggle with and is difficult to diagnose. High sensitivity to pain, exhaustion and a number of accompanying symptoms make everyday life extremely difficult for those affected. We at the Saxon State Baths will give you an overview of the disease and explain the symptoms and causes. You will learn what positive effects radon can have as a natural remedy in the treatment of soft tissue rheumatism. We also show you ways in which you don't have to go without anything despite being sick.

What is soft tissue rheumatism?

Soft tissue rheumatism is often used as a collective term for problems and complaints of soft, i.e. non-bony, structures of the musculoskeletal system. Muscles, tendons, tendon sheaths and attachments, ligaments, bursa, fatty and connective tissue, nerves and vessels are affected. The disease is chronic and breaks out either suddenly or gradually and inconspicuously. At first, symptoms of soft tissue rheumatism appear sporadically, but only over time does a holistic clinical picture emerge. It will be between generalized and localized Soft tissue rheumatism is differentiated:

At the generalized syndrome pain occurs in the soft tissues throughout almost the entire body. At this point we also speak of chronic pain or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
As soon as the pain is limited to a certain part of the body, regional or localized soft tissue rheumatism spoken.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is one of the rheumatic diseases. For this reason, it is treated with a focus on rheumatology. In the following, we will talk about both soft tissue rheumatism and fibromyalgia syndrome, as there is a strong overlap in terms of treatment and symptoms.

Symptoms of soft tissue rheumatism

The list of symptoms is long. There are over 100 known complaints. We show which ones are available.

Many of the symptoms listed also occur in similar illnesses, which is why it is difficult to differentiate between them in most cases. For this reason, soft tissue rheumatism must be determined using the tender points already mentioned.

Significant symptoms

The symptoms of soft tissue rheumatism are very similar to the more well-known fibromyalgia (fiber-muscle pain). Typical complaints are pain at certain pressure points, which is often described as burning, cutting, dull or boring. In technical language they are known as “triggers or tender points”. These are usually located close to the joints at the transition points between various muscles and tendons - for example in the area of the neck and shoulder muscles. If pressure is put on these areas, the sufferer will have to deal with severe pain. If the patient reacts to fewer than 11 painful pressure points, it is not fibromyalgia, but general soft tissue rheumatism.

Other symptoms of soft tissue rheumatism include exhaustion, muscle weakness, tiredness and sleep disorders. The lack of sleep leads to a constant lack of concentration. Severe headaches and even migraines are also side effects. Heart pain is also not an atypical complaint. A consequence and companion of constant pain is psychological stress. Whether increased anxiety, severe mood swings or depression – the range is very pronounced.

Accompanying symptoms

In addition to characteristic symptoms, there are also a variety of accompanying symptoms that often occur in patients. This includes, among other things, the disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which manifests itself in increased sweating and trembling hands. Those affected often complain of sensitivity to cold, attacks of dizziness and other circulatory problems.

Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and nausea are also often diagnosed in connection with soft tissue rheumatism. Women struggle with increased period pain. Disturbances of the cardiovascular system such as heart palpitations and shortness of breath are also not uncommon.

Causes of soft tissue rheumatism

Research into the causes of soft tissue rheumatism and fibromyalgia has increased significantly in recent years. However, there are still no clear conclusions regarding specific causes that are associated with the development of soft tissue rheumatism. Scientists believe that various factors influence the development of the disease.

But why is it that triggers are so difficult to research? The reason for this is that many people suffer from other pain diseases and psychological stress in addition to soft tissue rheumatism or fibromyalgia. Complaints often cannot be clearly traced back.

The causes of the complex disease include, for example, overuse of the musculoskeletal system and overstimulation of the nervous system. Infectious diseases (often influenza), excessive stressful situations and genetic factors are also on the list of possible causes. But hormonal changes and an imbalance in the hormone balance can also lead to characteristic soft tissue rheumatism pain.

In addition, there is an incorrect diet, disorders of the immune system and metabolism, psychological trauma and damage to small nerve fibers.

Treatment of soft tissue rheumatism with the natural remedy radon

Soft tissue rheumatism is one of the diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. In addition, the majority of patients suffer from severe, chronic pain. As with all rheumatic diseases and pain conditions, radon therapy proves to be particularly promising here.

We, Sächsische Staatsbäder GmbH, can look back on over 100 years of medical-therapeutic expertise in the use of the natural remedy radon. The Wettin spring in Bad Brambach was discovered in 1910 and is considered the strongest radon source in the world. Our spa and bathing operations began just two years later.

However, the healing effects of radon have been known for much longer. For several centuries, radon applications have been used to sustainably alleviate the symptoms of numerous diseases. These primarily include diseases of the musculoskeletal system and respiratory system as well as chronic pain conditions.

This is what happens with radon therapy

The decay of radon releases high-energy particles that are able to eliminate functional disorders in the human body. Our radon therapy activates both the cell metabolism and the repair mechanism, inhibits inflammation and stimulates self-healing powers.

The special feature of the healing water is expressed in the naturally occurring combination of radon, carbon dioxide and minerals. In addition, more endorphins are released, which relieves your pain. This minimizes the need to take conventional medications and any side effects. Experience has shown that pain relief from a radon treatment lasts up to nine months.

Treatment of soft tissue rheumatism with radon in Bad Brambach

There are five springs containing radon in the Saxon spa town. We offer the radon mineral healing water from the Wettin spring in the form of bath treatments, drinking cures, inhalations and rinses.

Are you experiencing symptoms of soft tissue rheumatism?

Radon – the natural remedy helps!

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Radon bath therapy

Our spa treatment is particularly successful for inflammatory rheumatic and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Soft tissue rheumatism is therefore one of many diseases that benefits from the positive effects of radon. A radon bath in a 260-litre tub primarily targets the skin. With a total surface area of two square metres, it is the largest organ in the human body. The mineral healing water is used in eight to twelve applications per treatment.

The repair mechanisms that are activated by radon therapy reduce the inflammatory processes that occur in soft tissue rheumatism. In addition, the activated defense cells strengthen the immune system, whose disruption is suspected to be the cause of the disease. The carbon dioxide also contained in the spa treatment benefits digestion.

Soft tissue rheumatism patients who suffer from gastrointestinal problems as a side effect really appreciate this effect. The pain-relieving effect, which lasts for several months even after radon therapy, is particularly valuable for the treatment of soft tissue rheumatism. This also reduces the psychological effects in everyday life, which many sufferers experience as a result of the pain.

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Radon drinking therapy

In addition to bath therapy for soft tissue rheumatism, our radon drinking treatment also delivers effective results. All of the healing springs in Bad Brambach contain numerous minerals, trace elements, carbon dioxide and radon.

There is a big advantage when drinking radon water: the dissolved ingredients enter the human organism directly via the gastrointestinal tract and can develop their gentle effect there. For therapeutic purposes, medicinal water is taken over a longer period of time. One of our responsible spa doctors will make a recommendation regarding duration, quantity and timing.

Depending on their mineral composition, the mineral healing springs have a positive effect on inflammatory joint problems. We primarily use the water from the Wettin spring, the strongest radon source in the world, for the radon drinking treatment.

Calcium is known to be involved in the conduction of muscles, which is why it improves soft tissue rheumatism. The sulfate contained in the medicinal water has a positive influence on the digestive disorders that the disease occasionally causes.

Iron increases performance, which is severely limited in many patients suffering from soft tissue rheumatism. Magnesium also supports relaxation and thus stress reduction, which is particularly important in the case of the disease.

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Diagnosis: soft tissue rheumatism

Since complaints and signs of illness are very diverse, it is not easy to diagnose soft tissue rheumatism or fibromyalgia. It usually takes several years until those affected finally get a name for their pain. For this reason there is no routine diagnostics. Every case of illness can manifest itself differently.

Overview of manifestations of soft tissue rheumatism

shoulder

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, but at the same time it is also the most unstable. This circumstance can be attributed to the poor fit of the two bony joint parts. When moving, the large, spherical head of the humerus meets the smaller, flat sockets of the shoulder joint. Symptoms include rotator cuff lesions, impingement syndrome and frozen shoulder.

Pelvis

Soft tissue pain around the hip joint can have various causes, such as mechanical overload, injury, inflammation or a metabolic disease. The symptoms are known under the collective term periarthropathy coxae, which can indicate the onset of osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Both men and women of all ages can be affected.

Hand and elbow

People who suffer from soft tissue rheumatism often also have problems with their hands and elbows. Symptoms can include tennis elbow, trigger finger or tendonitis on the thumb side of the wrist.

Knee, lower leg and heel

The knee has various tasks. It acts as a hinge, lever and shock absorber. Due to its versatile functions, there are also numerous soft tissue rheumatic knee problems. These include: jumper's knee, iliotibial band syndrome, anterior knee pain syndrome, shin splints, heel spurs and Achilles tendon problems.

Diagnostic options

Visit your family doctor

The first point of contact is usually your family doctor. However, he or she can refer the patient to a specialist if various causes of the disease need to be ruled out. These are usually rheumatologists, orthopedists or psychiatrists.

anamnese

First, the examining doctor looks at the patient's previous medical and family history. He asks about areas of the body that are sensitive to pain and how much the health problems affect everyday life. The doctor also asks whether you are taking any current medications.

Tactile examination

Physical examinations follow. Rheumatologists follow the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). In Germany, the criteria catalogs from Müller and Lautenschläger are consulted. Both guidelines take into account 18 defined pressure points, the so-called tender points. The doctor presses the areas of the muscles and tendons with his fingers.

Blood and x-ray tests

A series of blood tests and, if necessary, X-ray tests will also be carried out. However, these only help to rule out other diseases that have similar symptoms. These primarily include inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthrosis, bacterial or viral infections and thyroid diseases.

Risk factors of soft tissue rheumatism

Genetic factors most likely also play a role in the development of the disease. So if a parent or first-degree relative suffers from fibromyalgia syndrome or soft tissue rheumatism, there is an increased risk of becoming ill themselves. However, a specific gene responsible for inheritance has not yet been identified. There are also a number of indicators such as biological and psychosocial factors that explain an illness.

The clinical picture can be influenced by a variety of external factors. Some can be influenced, others cannot.

psychological stress – triggered by conflicts in the family, at work or by death
physical abuse and sexual abuse in early childhood and adulthood
Depression
lack of sleep
physical overload
Verletzungen
overweight
unhealthy lifestyle such as increased cigarette consumption
serious previous illnesses
incorrect posture
weakened ligaments in the joints
Change in weather, damp and cold weather

Questions about soft tissue rheumatism

What manifestations can soft tissue rheumatism have?

Complaints can occur in a wide variety of parts of the body. Typical diagnoses include: impingement syndrome, periarthropathia coxae, trigger finger, tendonitis, iliotibial band syndrome and heel spurs.

How should my diet change after a diagnosis?

Basically: Your diet should fit your lifestyle – and above all, taste good. Eat a balanced diet so that your body gets all the important nutrients. Lots of fruits and vegetables as well as omega-3 fatty acids should be on your diet.

What other treatment options are there?

In addition to radon therapy, other specific treatments can be carried out. This includes:

Manual techniques such as trigger point therapy = pressing and stretching painful areas in the muscles
Local infiltrations = injection of liquid drugs into the affected tissue
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy = aligned pressure waves destroy painful joint deposits
Autologous blood injection

How many sick people are there in Germany?

On average, women are nine times more likely to develop soft tissue rheumatism than men. It is difficult to estimate the exact number of those affected because many cases have not been diagnosed or have not yet been diagnosed. In 2018, there were around 1,5 million people in Germany who had to live with the disease. That corresponds to around two percent of the population. The number of unreported cases is certainly much higher. Soft tissue rheumatism is considered relatively unknown in society.

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