Neurological Physiotherapy
Myositis
Myositis Physiotherapy Treatment Adelaide
Myositis is a group of rare conditions that cause chronic inflammation and damage within the muscles. This inflammation can lead to muscle weakness, reduced endurance, fatigue and difficulties with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting objects or getting up from a chair.
Myositis is often related to an abnormal immune response, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle tissue. The effects of myositis vary significantly between individuals depending on the type of myositis, the muscles affected and how the condition responds to treatment.
Types of myositis include:
- Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)
- Polymyositis (PM)
- Dermatomyositis (DM)
- Juvenile Myositis
- Necrotising Myositis
- Interstitial Myositis
- Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis
Each type of myositis can affect different muscle groups and may require specific rehabilitation strategies.
How can physiotherapy help with Myositis?
Neurological physiotherapy can play an important role in helping people with myositis maintain strength, mobility and independence.
Research supports appropriately prescribed exercise as a safe and beneficial part of myositis management. Exercise does not appear to worsen muscle inflammation when it is carefully tailored to the individual’s condition, symptoms and stage of recovery.
At Advanced Neuro Rehab, we develop personalised rehabilitation programs that may include:
- Strengthening exercises to address muscle weakness and reduced function.
- Movement retraining to improve walking, transfers and everyday activities.
- Balance and falls prevention strategies to improve safety and confidence.
- Fatigue management strategies to help balance activity and recovery.
- Mobility assessments and equipment recommendations when required.
- Advice and education for individuals, families and carers.
Individualised rehabilitation for different types of Myositis
Different forms of myositis affect the body in different ways, which means rehabilitation needs to be tailored.
For example, people with Polymyositis may experience more generalised weakness affecting posture, trunk control and mobility. Rehabilitation may focus on improving strength, balance and functional movement.
People with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) often experience more specific weakness, commonly affecting muscles such as the quadriceps, ankle muscles and finger flexors. Physiotherapy may focus on maintaining safe mobility, adapting movement strategies and supporting independence.
Our neurological physiotherapists understand the complexity of myositis and consider how symptoms may affect not only movement, but also fatigue, work, relationships and participation in daily life.
We work alongside your medical and allied health team to ensure rehabilitation supports your goals and adapts as your needs change.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with myositis, our experienced neurological physiotherapists can provide assessment, education and a tailored rehabilitation plan to help you remain as active and independent as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Myositis
Can physiotherapy help with Myositis?
Yes. Physiotherapy can help people with myositis manage muscle weakness, fatigue, mobility difficulties and reduced independence. A tailored rehabilitation program can support strength, safety and participation in daily activities.
Is exercise safe with Myositis?
Yes. Research supports carefully prescribed exercise as a safe and beneficial part of myositis management. Exercise programs should be individually tailored based on the type of myositis, symptoms, fatigue levels and overall health.
Does Myositis cause muscle weakness?
Yes. Muscle weakness is one of the most common symptoms of myositis and occurs due to inflammation and damage within the muscles. Reduced activity can also contribute to additional weakness and loss of fitness.
What exercises are recommended for Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)?
Exercise programs for IBM focus on maintaining function, improving safety and adapting to specific areas of weakness. Physiotherapy may include strengthening, mobility training, balance exercises and strategies to improve independence.
Why do people with Myositis experience fatigue?
Fatigue can occur due to ongoing muscle weakness, inflammation, reduced fitness and the increased effort required for everyday movement. Physiotherapy can provide strategies to manage energy levels and gradually build activity tolerance.
When should someone with Myositis see a physiotherapist?
A neurological physiotherapy assessment can be helpful after diagnosis or whenever there are changes in strength, walking, balance, fatigue or daily function. Early support can help develop strategies to maintain independence.
