Rheumatology and Coordinated Rheumatological Autoimmune Care.

Chronic joint pain related to joint inflammation, and certain musculoskeletal autoimmune conditions need careful diagnosis and ongoing treatment to keep you healthy. At Think Whole Person Healthcare, our rheumatology clinic offers expert care,  imaging, and treatments for complex joint and rheumatological autoimmune diseases. We create a supportive environment where patients get focused care to reduce inflammation, protect their joints, and maintain daily activities.

Our clinic uses a physician-led, team-based approach. At think, we look at your whole health when evaluating rheumatic conditions. Your rheumatologist works closely with your primary care doctor, physical therapists, imaging specialists, and pharmacists—all in one Omaha location. This teamwork helps track your diagnosis accurately, avoids scattered treatments, and saves you extra trips and costs.

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal autoimmune diseases, tissue disorders, and inflammatory arthritis without surgery. These conditions make the immune system attack healthy tissues, causing ongoing inflammation in joints, muscles, bones, and tendons. If not treated, this inflammation can lead to lasting joint damage and affect other organs.

A rheumatologist completes years of internal medicine training and then specializes further in musculoskeletal immunology and joint diseases. Since rheumatic conditions can show up as general symptoms like tiredness or occasional joint stiffness, rheumatologists use advanced lab tests and imaging to find the exact cause. Acting early is important to stop the disease from getting worse and to keep you moving well.

An elderly person holding their left hand with their right hand, appearing to massage or soothe discomfort, with a soft focus background and natural light.

Our rheumatology services and conditions.

Our rheumatology department organizes the evaluation and management of systemic inflammatory conditions into distinct clinical categories to support clear, structured care pathways.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Address inflammatory arthritis primarily impacting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Management focuses on maintaining spinal flexibility and reducing chronic back stiffness.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Diagnose and treat inflammatory joint conditions associated with cutaneous psoriasis. Integrated plans target both skin manifestations and joint discomfort simultaneously.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Manage chronic joint inflammation and systemic tissue swelling. Coordinated treatment protocols utilize disease-modifying therapies to protect joint structure and retain mobility.

Lupus

Evaluate and manage systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment plans track antibody activity to control flare-ups and safeguard renal, cardiovascular, and cutaneous health.

Mixed Connective Tissue Diseases

Treat overlapping features of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Clinicians monitor systemic markers to address shifting musculoskeletal symptoms.

Sjogerns

Address autoimmune targeting of moisture-producing glands. Clinical interventions manage systemic dryness, joint discomfort, and secondary corneal or oral health risks.

Gout

Manage acute, painful joint inflammation caused by uric acid crystal accumulation. Medical interventions lower systemic uric acid levels to prevent recurrent flares.

Osteoarthritis

Address progressive mechanical breakdown of joint cartilage. Management combines localized therapies with biomechanical offloading to preserve daily joint function.

Pseudogout

Diagnose and treat calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease. Treatment plans target acute knee and wrist swelling to minimize cartilage wear.

A person wearing black shorts and a wristwatch holds their knee and lower leg, possibly indicating leg pain or injury, outdoors with a blurred background.

Why rheumatology matters to your health journey.

Rheumatic diseases affect the whole body, not just the joints. Inflammation that starts in your joints can also impact your heart, metabolism, and mental health. Managing these conditions means looking at your overall health, since ongoing inflammation can affect your blood vessels and long-term well-being.

At Think Whole Person Healthcare, your rheumatology care is part of your overall health plan. We look at your lifestyle, sleep, activity, and lab results to make sure your treatment supports your whole well-being. This approach lowers the risk of other health problems, helps manage costs, and keeps you moving well.

Meet Your Provider

Our rheumatology team includes board-certified specialists with advanced training in musculoskeletal inflammatory diseases. They stay connected with national organizations and keep up with new research to make sure your care meets the latest standards.

Our doctors respect each other’s skills and work closely together. Our rheumatologists regularly talk with primary care teams, physical therapists, and technicians to keep your care on track. This teamwork means your lab results and medications are reviewed together, giving you strong medical support.

Our whole-person care approach to Rheumatology

At think we focus on Whole Person Healthcare. When we create your treatment plan, we review your full medical history and your lifestyle. We design treatment plans that address the root causes of systemic inflammation. Your rheumatologist communicates directly with your care team through our shared electronic health record system. This integrated structure ensures your treatment is clear and consistent, saving you time and protecting your health

An elderly man with white hair and a beard sits on a couch, grimacing in pain while holding his knee with both hands, suggesting discomfort or injury.
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Ready to take the next steps in your health journey but have questions?

If you have ongoing joint pain, unexplained swelling, or need special musculoskeletal autoimmune care, our team is here to help. Contact us today if you have general questions about our providers, insurance, or our services. Now is the best time to start your journey toward better health.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in internal medicine and has extra training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and joint or muscle problems without surgery.

You should see a rheumatologist if you have ongoing joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness that lasts more than a few weeks, especially if you also week, or notice skin rashes. Seeing a specialist early helps find out if your symptoms are from wear and tear or an inflammatory condition.

At your first visit, your rheumatologist will check your joints for movement and signs of inflammation. They will go over your medical history, ask about your lifestyle, and order any needed blood tests or imaging to make a clear diagnosis.

Our specialists often treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. We also help patients with osteoarthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and mixed connective tissue diseases.

Yes, you need a referral from your primary care.

To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, we use exams, special blood tests (like rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies), and imaging. Your specialist looks at all these results together to confirm the diagnosis and set up a plan to track your health.

Yes. Medicines are needed to control the immune system, but things like gentle exercise, healthy eating, and managing stress also help your joints and overall health. Your care team will help you include these habits in your plan.

Written by thinkpress copywriters | Medically Reviewed by Nada Skaf, MD, Doctor of Rheumatology.