Local and systemic inflammatory mechanisms and immobilisation, perhaps secondarily intensified by corticosteroid treatment, very often produce reduced load capacity of the tissues. Pain, swelling of the joints, muscular atrophy and instability favour such development. Increased activity of the disease rapidly leads to general discomfort and unfitness. Drugs generally help to reduce the inflammatory activity. To increase and restore the musculo-skeletal load capacity, however, the patient must undergo physiotherapy and exercises adapted to the disease activity and, if he/she so desires adequate sporting activity.