What is Myositis 

 What is Myositis and what is the role of a Biokineticist 

Myositis is a general term referring to inflammation of the muscles. It can cause muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, muscle damage. Myositis can be triggered by a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, infections, and even certain medications. 

There are several types of myositis, the most common being: 

• Polymyositis (PM): A chronic condition that causes muscle inflammation and weakness, typically affecting muscles closest to the trunk of the body, like the shoulders, hips, and thighs. 
• Dermatomyositis (DM): Similar to polymyositis but also includes a skin rash that often accompanies the muscle weakness. 
• Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM): A more slowly progressing form of myositis that tends to affect older adults, involving muscle weakness, especially in the thighs, wrists, and fingers. 
• Juvenile Myositis (JM): A form of myositis that occurs in children, typically manifesting as muscle weakness and a characteristic rash. 

Myositis is often associated with immune system disorders, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own muscle tissue. The diagnosis is typically made through blood tests, muscle biopsies, and imaging studies. Treatment often involves immunosuppressive medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms. 

Symptoms of myositis 

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but the most common symptoms include: 

• Muscle Weakness 
• Muscle Pain or Tenderness 
• Fatigue 
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia) 
• Shortness of Breath 
• Rash (specific to Dermatomyositis) 
• Muscle Atrophy 
• Joint Pain and Stiffness 
• Fever 
• Trouble Getting Up from a Seated or Lying Position 
• Weakness in the hands and fingers 
• Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks. 

The Biokineticist’s Role: 

A biokineticist can play a crucial role in helping a patient with myositis manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Biokineticist provide personalized, safe and structured exercise as a form of therapy to improve physical functioning, strength, and mobility. 

The exercise programs are focused on the following: 

1. Muscle Strengthening: 

A biokineticist will create a gradual strengthening program focused on improving the strength of weakened muscles, particularly those affected by the condition, such as the shoulders, hips, and thighs. Low-resistance, high-repetition exercises are usually recommended to prevent overstraining the muscles. 

2. Improve Range of Motion: 

Gentle stretching exercises help maintain flexibility and range of motion in the joints and muscles. Regular stretching can prevent contractures (permanent muscle tightening), which may result from muscle weakness or prolonged inactivity. 

3. Aerobic Conditioning: 

Myositis can lead to fatigue and deconditioning. Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can improve cardiovascular health without putting too much strain on the muscles. 

4. Functional Training: 

A biokineticist can help the patient perform exercises that mimic daily activities, such as standing from a seated position, walking, or climbing stairs. This improves functional strength, making it easier to perform everyday tasks. 

5. Balance and Coordination Exercises: 

Patients with myositis may experience balance issues due to muscle weakness. A biokineticist can work on improving balance through specific exercises that target stability and coordination. 

6. Fatigue Management: 

Fatigue is a common symptom of myositis. A biokineticist helps the patient gradually increase their activity level, pacing exercises to prevent over-exertion while allowing the body to build endurance over time. 

7. Breathing Exercises (if Respiratory Muscles Are Affected): 

In cases where myositis affects chest muscles, breathing exercises may be incorporated to improve lung function and overall respiratory health. 

8. Adaptation of Exercises to Disease Stage: 

In periods of myositis flare-ups, a biokineticist may modify or reduce the intensity of exercises to prevent further muscle damage. During remission or recovery, they will focus on more intensive strengthening and conditioning exercises. 

9. Monitoring and Preventing Overuse: 

A biokineticist carefully monitors the patient to prevent over-exertion, which could lead to increased muscle damage or inflammation. They ensure that the exercise program is adapted to the patient’s tolerance level. 

By working closely with the patient’s healthcare team, a biokineticist can offer a holistic and safe approach to managing myositis, enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being.