[Evidence-based physical therapy of rheumatic diseases].

New studies increase the evidence, that different applications of physical therapy are effective. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) physiotherapy of the hands improve strength, joint mobility and activity without increased risk of pain nor inflammation. A theory-based physiotherapy of the hands shows clinical effectiveness and cost-utility. In patients with spondyloarthritides supervised group exercise training is more effective than home exercise programs. Compared with biologics only combined exercise training and tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitor therapy improve mobility and disease activity more effectively. Aerobic exercise training reduces fatigue in RA. Working wrist splints and static resting splints improve pain and grip strength. Static resting splints reduce the risk of hand deformities. Local and whole body cryotherapy show short term improvement of pain and inflammatory activity. German S3-guidelines recommend enhanced utilisation of physical therapy as well as coordinated multiprofessional team care and rehabilitation.