Diagnostics
Modern diagnostic methods
a) Imaging
Our clinic offers all key general internal medicine and specialized rheumatological examination methods required for diagnosing various rheumatic conditions:
- Ultrasound & Doppler ultrasound
- of the joints
- of the tendons
- of the muscles
- of the internal organs
- of the blood vessels
- Capillary microscopy of the blood vessels in the fingers
In collaboration with the Department of Diagnostic Radiology:
- Digital X-ray
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Bone density measurement
- Scintigraphy
b) Laboratory
In addition to standard laboratory medical examinations, our laboratory offers the full range of specialized rheumatological and immunological tests, including comprehensive autoantibody diagnostics and assessments of humoral and cellular immune status.
Therapy
Basic therapy and specialized immunological treatments
Determining the appropriate indication and initiating all modern drug-based rheumatology therapies (so-called basic therapy, immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive treatments) are part of our responsibilities, as is monitoring them for side effects and treatment success. A particular focus lies on new, targeted immunotherapies using biologics and so-called JAK inhibitors for various inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
Injection treatment and surgery
In certain situations, local injection treatment of individual joints may also be beneficial, as can radiosynoviorthesis (“internal radiation” of an inflamed joint). The various surgical procedures of modern rheumatology therapy are performed in collaboration with the Orthopedic University Clinic Essen (Head: Prof. Dr. Hansjörg Heep), which is also located in Essen-Werden. Close cooperation between internal medicine and orthopedic rheumatologists has proven especially valuable for rheumatology patients.
Inpatient Treatment
Complex rheumatological questions, severe disease progressions, or pronounced, unexplained signs of inflammation are usually the reason for inpatient diagnostics and treatment of patients at the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology. For this purpose, 25 beds are available on Ward RH1 (double and triple rooms), and severely ill rheumatology patients are also treated, when necessary, in the shared internal medicine intensive care unit (eight beds).
Outpatient Treatment
Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic
For outpatient examinations, patients can be referred to our rheumatology outpatient clinic by their general practitioners or specialists. Here, examinations are carried out to determine whether a rheumatic condition is present and, if so, how it can be treated. An outpatient examination often precedes inpatient admission, or outpatient follow-up examinations take place here after discharge.
For patients with chronic rheumatic conditions, our rheumatology outpatient clinic can also provide ongoing rheumatological care, including regular monitoring of the disease and treatment (usually every three to six months), in collaboration with the patient’s general practitioner.
In our day clinic, we also perform specialized infusion therapies on an outpatient basis.
Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy
The Department of Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy is part of the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology. Here, our inpatients are treated by qualified physiotherapists who specialize in rheumatological conditions.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an independent form of treatment used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches for rheumatic diseases. The main goals of physical therapy in treating rheumatic diseases are:
- Improving function (strength, mobility, coordination)
- Muscle detonization
- Improving blood circulation and tissue nourishment
- Preventing and correcting malpositions
- Reducing the need for symptomatic medication
- Pain relief, reduction of inflammation
- Prevention, rehabilitation, and pre- and post-treatment for rheuma-orthopedic procedures
Depending on the specific condition and local findings, physical therapy is often used as a specialized rheumatology treatment.
The team of the Department of Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy includes a state-certified physiotherapist who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. In coordination with the rheumatology physicians, our inpatient rheumatology patients receive expert and knowledgeable physiotherapeutic care here.
