[Prophylaxis and medical rehabilitation of patients presenting with soft tissue diseases]

Soft tissue diseases are pathologic conditions underlain by degenerative, dystrophic, and inflammatory processes developing in muscles, ligaments, synovial bursae and sheaths, fascias, and aponeuroses. Their prevention and medical rehabilitation are achieved with the help of various methods targeted toward different pathogenetic mechanisms and factors facilitating recovery of the affected structures. These methods include instrumental physiotherapy, balneotherapy, peloidotherapy, therapeutic exercises, massage, and pharmacotherapy as appropriate. The rehabilitative strategy implies systematic step-by-step application of these tools in various combinations. Balneotherapy needs to be scheduled to the most favourable climatic seasons. Massage and remedial gymnastics are indispensable procedures in all rehabilitative strategies for the patients with soft tissue diseases. Mechanotherapy, traction, elements of manual therapy, and reflexotherapy should be provided if indicated. They are of special importance whenever the motor function of muscles and circumarticular soft tissues needs to be improved. Regular remedial gymnastics and swimming in a pool are highly efficacious methods of secondary prophylaxys preventing exacerbation of soft tissue diseases. It should be emphasized that early and systematic application of rehabilitative treatment by the above methods helps to restore functional capacity of the affected soft tissues and substantially improve the patients' quality of life.