[Physical medicine in rheumatology and orthopedics]

Rheumatic and orthopedic disorders usually progress towards morphologic and functional deficits and thus cause impairment of physical health. Physiotherapeutic strategies are indispensable and are often required for life. Although substantial progress has been achieved in the development of new drugs, physiotherapeutic strategies are indicated to improve articular and vertebral function under curative, preventative and rehabilitative aspects, often in combination with a sufficient anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy. Even though the evidence for physical therapy does not achieve the grade of drug therapy, physical therapy is indispensable for a multimodal treatment concept according to expert opinion.