Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – Rheumatological diseases not only affect the body, but also profoundly impact psychological well-being, personal relationships, and quality of life. Chronic pain, functional limitations, and the difficulties that often accompany the diagnostic and therapeutic process require a treatment approach that considers the individual as a whole.
Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, scientific research, psychological support, and collaboration with patient organizations are key elements in improving the management of these conditions and the quality of care. This is the guiding principle of the meeting "Apmarr meets Siena: care, well-being, and community in rheumatological diseases," promoted by Apmarr – National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m., at LaBotteghina Mad Aps, Via Tolomei 7, Siena.
The initiative, according to a statement, aims to raise awareness among citizens, healthcare professionals, people with rheumatic and rare diseases, family members, and caregivers about the importance of greater knowledge of these diseases and to promote dialogue between healthcare professionals, associations, and the community.
This dialogue is particularly important in a field like rheumatology, which encompasses conditions with widely varying prevalence, clinical manifestations, and care complexity. Active involvement of those affected can help ensure treatment pathways are increasingly tailored to their needs.
"Rheumatology encompasses a very broad and heterogeneous group of diseases, some particularly widespread, others rare, which pose significant challenges both in terms of science and healthcare," emphasizes Bruno Frediani, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Siena. "Rare diseases, in particular, deserve increasing attention, not only because, taken together, they affect a significant number of people, but also because their study allows us to delve deeper into biological mechanisms common to much more common diseases.
Investing in their knowledge therefore means contributing to the advancement of rheumatology as a whole, with positive impacts on diagnosis and treatment options. But to translate this progress into increasingly effective care, it is equally important to strengthen the dialogue with those living with these diseases. From this perspective, including in the Siena area, we advocate for increasingly close and structured collaboration between specialists and patient associations, whose contribution is essential to understanding people's real needs and developing treatment pathways that better meet their needs.
Alongside research advances and appropriate treatment, an equally important role is played by attention to the impact that rheumatic diseases can have on daily life. Living with a chronic disease, often characterized by persistent pain and functional limitations, can impact emotional balance, family and social relationships, and the ability to maintain routines. Hence the need to complement pharmacological therapies with interventions that promote psychological well-being and help people cope with disease-related challenges.
"Early diagnosis is a fundamental goal, but it's still not always easily attainable, partly due to the lack of knowledge about these conditions," emphasizes Alessandra Rosabianca, psychologist and psychotherapist. "With this initiative, we want to promote greater awareness, but also draw attention to the importance of considering the individual as a whole—mind-body. Pain, one of the most difficult manifestations of rheumatic diseases to address, isn't just physical: its perception is also influenced by emotional, cognitive, and relational factors. This is why it's essential to build a support network that involves not only healthcare professionals, but also family members, caregivers, and the community, leveraging all those resources that can contribute to improving well-being and quality of life."
From this perspective, the meeting will also offer the opportunity to explore the contribution of complementary interventions, from psychological support to relaxation and mindfulness techniques, to movement and physical activity tailored to individual needs. These tools, when integrated into the therapeutic process, can help people better manage the consequences of the disease, maintain their independence, and develop greater awareness of their personal resources. The Siena event is part of APMARR's commitment to promoting information, awareness, and active participation, strengthening dialogue between people with rheumatic diseases, healthcare professionals, associations, and the local community. It is an opportunity to reaffirm that improving the management of chronic diseases means not only leveraging medical advances but also building a network of relationships and services capable of supporting people throughout their treatment journey and in their daily lives.
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