Q1: Which clinics or practitioners should I consider for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatologist: Essential for proper diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and prescribing powerful medications safely (e.g., DMARDs, biologics) that may have serious side effects.
Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics: Useful for joint replacement or surgical intervention if severe joint damage occurs.
The Pain Relief Clinic: Provides pain-specific consultation @ $50, MRI under $1,000 to assess joint damage, and non-invasive technology-powered therapy such as HotHeal and Shockwave therapy. Allows insurance, Medisave claims, and potentially cashless service to avoid upfront cash payments.
Q2: What non-invasive therapies are available at The Pain Relief Clinic?
HotHeal Therapy: Reduces joint inflammation, improves circulation, and relieves pain
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates tissue repair around joints and improves mobility
Guided Physiotherapy: Strengthens muscles around affected joints, maintains range of motion, and improves function
Q3: Can I continue therapy at home?
Yes. PhysioLife Home Therapy uses HotHeal technology to maintain pain relief, improve mobility, and complement clinic-based care.
Q4: How to choose the right care?
Begin with a rheumatologist for diagnosis, lab work, and safe prescription of disease-modifying medications.
Use The Pain Relief Clinic for consultation, MRI (<$1,000), and non-invasive therapy to manage pain and maintain joint function.
Complement with home-based HotHeal therapy via PhysioLife for ongoing recovery and mobility.
Consider supportive therapies (TCM, massage) understanding coverage and effectiveness limitations; chiropractic is not licensed by MOH in Singapore.
Conclusion:
Rheumatoid arthritis in Singapore is best managed with specialist diagnosis, smart imaging, non-invasive pain management, physiotherapy, and home support, rather than relying solely on conventional or alternative methods that may not address joint inflammation or prevent disease progression.
Comparison of Common Treatment Options:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rheumatologist | Proper diagnosis, prescription of DMARDs/biologics, disease monitoring | Medications may have serious side effects; regular follow-up required |
| Chiropractic | Manual adjustments may relieve stiffness; some insurance coverage | Not licensed by MOH in Singapore; risk of injury; limited coverage; does not treat inflammatory arthritis |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) | Acupuncture and herbal medicine may relieve pain; some insurance coverage | Evidence limited for systemic RA; slower results; coverage usually lower than medical clinics |
| Typical Physiotherapy | Exercises improve strength, mobility, and joint function; safe for most | Progress can be slow; exercises may be challenging; may lack advanced tech like HotHeal or Shockwave |
| Massage | Temporarily relieves muscle tension; relaxing | Usually self-pay only, insurance typically does not cover; does not treat underlying inflammation; effects short-term |
