“What exercises can you do for pediatric rheumatic disease?”

Similar to adults, range of motion exercises to maintain flexibility are important. Swimming and aqua therapy is especially useful and makes it easier than more traditional exercising. Walking a very good exercise. Likewise, exercise and/or effort to strengthen the muscles, particularly of the thighs will yield very good results.

Any child with a rheumatic disease can perform exercises/sports of their liking. Activity is encouraged as tolerated. In patients with arthritis, swimming is encouraged due to lack of gravity it makes it easier to move joints better. Alternatively may try aquatic therapy until mobility improves and then transition to physical therapy. This is something that can be discussed on a case by case basis with their rheumatologist as every child's condition is different.