Is Your Child Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If your child has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, we understand how upsetting and confusing it can be to hear that diagnosis.
While arthritis commonly affects the elderly due to age, it is still possible for the rheumatic condition to affect children.
In fact, as stated by the Arthritis Foundation,
“Juvenile arthritis (JA), also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, isn’t a specific disease. It’s an umbrella term to describe the inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children under the age of 16. These conditions affect nearly 300,000 kids and teens in the United States.
Most kinds of JA are autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases. That means the immune system, which is supposed to fight against foreign invaders like viruses and germs, gets confused and releases inflammatory chemicals that attack healthy cells and tissue. In most JA cases this causes joint inflammation, swelling, pain and tenderness, but some types of JA have few or no joint symptoms or only affect the skin and internal organs.”
If your child has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, or if you think your child may be showing signs or symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, don’t hesitate to contact Reavis Rehab & Wellness Center today. Our Round Rock, TX physical therapists can provide your child with the treatment he or she needs!
Physical therapy for pediatric rheumatoid arthritis
Among the many things our Round Rock, TX physical therapists can do for your child, they’ll work to strengthen the muscles that surround the affected joint, while also improving range of motion, stabilizing the joint and relieving any joint pain that may be occurring.
Strengthening exercises prescribed by our Round Rock, TX physical therapists increase the power of the muscles and can also help alleviate pain. If you strengthen the muscles around the affected area, it can relieve stress in the joints and help them absorb shock.
Flexibility exercises help increase movement and restore the joints back to normal pain-free function. A Round Rock, TX physical therapist may also implement soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization to help the affected joint(s) move with ease.
Studies have supported that these types of manual therapy are beneficial for those suffering with the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, no matter their age.
Getting started on a treatment plan
If your child has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Reavis Rehab & Wellness Center is here to help.
Contact our Round Rock, TX physical therapy office today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists!
