Abstract
Scleroderma i.e. systemic sclerosis is a rare rheumatic autoimmune disease characterized by fibroblast dysfunction with excessive collagen deposition leading to vasculopathy and subsequent dysfunction throughout the body. This case report addresses the care provided to a 71 year-old Caucasian female who was treated for cervical dysfunction in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. The symptoms experienced by patients with the diffuse progressive form of the disease are diverse and systemic. Physical therapists should ensure that patient care is multidisciplinary and has an emphasis on prevention. It should also be focused on delaying functional limitations, treating exacerbated symptoms, and gathering baseline information to track disease progression and guide further treatment. Current literature and evidence-based research is very limited regarding physical therapy and our potential interventions to this patient population. This case report identifies the treatment provided to this patient, as well as recommendations on providing current and research-based interventions specific to a patient with a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.