This department specializes in the diagnosis and therapy of inflammatory diseases of the joints of rheumatological-immunological origin. Crucial for diagnosing the disease is an extensive anamnesis and physical examination as well as the implementation of a diagnostic method specific to the symptoms.

The individual methods available are listed below:

• Inflammation and immunology laboratory
• Analysis of joint aspirates (laboratory chemistry with polarization and fluorescent-microscopic procedures)
• Joint sonography
• Computer tomography with bone densitometry
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Whole-body skeletal scintigraphy

After establishing the diagnosis, a drug therapy (anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive) with the fewest possible side effects is started, taking the disease stage into account. The acute flare-ups in particular demand the clinic staff’s professional competence involving the entire spectrum of internal medicine.

Co-existing diseases of internal organs such as blood vessels, nerves, skin and metabolism are considered in the treatment plan. In addition, there is the option of intra-articular radiotherapy (radiosynoviorthesis) for the local treatment of joint inflammations with few side effects or radiotherapy in cases of Bechterew’s disease.

Apart from drug therapy, the emphasis is on physical therapy: Our newly built Physical Therapy Department offers massages, lymph drainages, thermotherapy and cryoapplication, ultrasound and microwave therapy, various forms of electrotherapy and many kinds of physiotherapy.

The department also offers educational sessions for patients and contacts to self-help groups such as the Herrsching Rheumatic League with regularly offered hot water and dry gymnastics.