What to expect at the Centre.

A myositis diagnosis raises a lot of questions. This page covers your first visit, what to bring, and what happens afterward, so you arrive knowing what the day looks like.

Before you arrive

Your referral comes first.

You are seen at the Centre on referral from a physician or nurse practitioner. Once your referral and records arrive, the team reviews them so your first appointment is matched to what you need. If anything is missing, we ask your referring provider for it before booking.

If you are a clinician sending a patient, the referral pathway and fax details are on the contact page.

Your first visit

One appointment, the right people in the room.

You are seen jointly by rheumatology and rehabilitation, with neurology and other subspecialties involved through dedicated pathways when your case calls for it.

History and examination

The team reviews your symptoms, your history, and any treatment you have already tried, then examines your strength, skin, and function.

Point-of-care testing, in the room

Nailfold capillaroscopy and point-of-care ultrasound are done during the visit where useful, so you are not sent away for a separate appointment and a second wait.

Standardised measurements

The team records functional outcome measures so your strength and function are tracked the same way at every visit, and change over time is measured rather than estimated.

A plan you understand

You leave with a clear plan: what the team thinks is going on, what tests or treatment come next, and how rehabilitation will be structured through the V.i.P Protocol.

What to bring

Come prepared, and the visit goes further.

Your health card and a piece of photo identification.
A current list of your medications, including doses, plus any supplements. Note any statins or other muscle-affecting drugs.
Prior results you have on hand: bloodwork, imaging reports, EMG or biopsy results, and previous specialist notes.
Your questions, written down. It is easy to forget them in the moment.
A family member or friend, if you would like a second set of ears.
Comfortable clothing that allows the team to examine your arms and legs.

Plan your time

Your first visit runs a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours, and longer if a neurology or EMG consultation is also booked for the same day. It helps to bring a snack and something to pass the time.

After your visit

You are followed, and so is your referring doctor.

A report goes back to your referring physician, so the clinician who knows you stays informed and involved. In many cases the Centre continues to follow you with return visits; in others we set the plan and support your local team to carry it out.

Rehabilitation is delivered through the V.i.P Protocol, a phased program built for inflammatory myopathy. It is offered virtually through Arthros, so much of your rehabilitation can happen from home between visits. You can read about it on the Arthros V.i.P protocol page.

For trusted education, downloadable guides, medication information, and exercise resources, see patient resources.