What is dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory condition that causes muscle weakness and skin changes. It is part of a broader group of inflammatory muscle diseases sometimes called myositis. Common features include proximal muscle weakness — meaning weakness closer to the trunk, such as around the shoulders, hips and thighs — as well as characteristic skin rashes.

Symptoms can vary, but may include:

• muscle weakness

• difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair

• trouble lifting objects or raising the arms

• skin rashes

• fatigue

• muscle pain in some people

• swallowing difficulties in some cases.
  
  

How dermatomyositis may affect daily function

Dermatomyositis affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• strength and endurance

• getting up from the floor or a chair

• stairs and transfers

• lifting, carrying or reaching

• fatigue and reduced activity tolerance

• self-care and daily routines

• swallowing in some people

Because dermatomyositis can involve progressive muscle weakness and fatigue, it may affect school, work, exercise and participation in everyday life. Exercise is considered an important part of management in polymyositis and dermatomyositis, although programs should be carefully tailored to the person’s condition and stage of recovery.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support children and adults with dermatomyositis where there are goals related to strength, mobility, endurance, transfers, balance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• gentle strength and mobility support

• movement and transfer practice

• fatigue-aware activity planning

• stretching and physical activity guidance

• support for walking, stairs and everyday movement

• graded rehabilitation based on current function
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when dermatomyositis is affecting daily living, self-care, routines, fatigue management, school or work participation, or independence. OT may include:

• practical fatigue management strategies

• support for everyday routines and self-care

• task adaptation and energy conservation

• equipment or assistive strategies where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not required for everyone with dermatomyositis, but it may be relevant where a person has associated feeding or swallowing difficulties. Swallowing problems can occur in some people with inflammatory muscle disease and may affect mealtime safety and comfort.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some children, adolescents or adults with dermatomyositis who need support with conditioning, endurance, general physical activity or structured exercise. Exercise programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s fatigue levels, muscle weakness, medical management and safety needs. Evidence has strengthened for exercise as an important part of treatment in polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how dermatomyositis is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

improving strength and movement confidence

supporting walking and everyday mobility

managing fatigue more effectively

supporting self-care and daily routines

helping the person participate more comfortably at home, school, work or in the community

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP, rheumatologist, specialist team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the muscles and skin. It is a type of inflammatory myopathy.

What are the symptoms of dermatomyositis?

Symptoms can include muscle weakness, skin rash, fatigue, muscle pain and, in some cases, swallowing difficulties.

Can dermatomyositis affect walking and strength?

Yes. Dermatomyositis often causes muscle weakness, particularly in the hips, thighs, shoulders and upper arms, which can affect walking, climbing stairs and lifting objects.

Can physiotherapy help with dermatomyositis?

Physiotherapy may help support strength, mobility, endurance, transfers and physical participation for people living with dermatomyositis. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with dermatomyositis?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, fatigue management, routines, school or work participation, and independence in everyday activities.

Can dermatomyositis affect swallowing?

It can. Some people with dermatomyositis may experience swallowing difficulties, which may make speech pathology input relevant.

Can exercise help with dermatomyositis?

For some people, yes. Exercise is considered an important part of management in dermatomyositis, but programs should be tailored carefully to the person’s presentation, fatigue levels and medical advice.

Is dermatomyositis the same as polymyositis?

No. They are both inflammatory muscle diseases, but dermatomyositis also involves the skin and is considered a separate condition.

Can allied health treat dermatomyositis itself?

No. Dermatomyositis requires medical diagnosis and treatment. Allied health does not treat the underlying inflammatory condition itself, but may support strength, function, fatigue management and day-to-day quality of life.

If you or your family member is living with dermatomyositis and would like support with strength, mobility, fatigue, daily function or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

External Resources for Dermatomyositis

Myositis Australia

Arthritis Australia – Dermatomyositis

Autoimmune Resource and Research Centre (Australia)

Muscular Dystrophy Australia

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.