Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Thomas Mohr

Keywords

Arthritis, Juvenile

Abstract

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common pediatric rheumatoid disease in North America. and a principle cause of childhood disability. The disease course is unremitting in up to a quarter of the children with JRA, and a small percentage will grow-up with severe functional disabilities.. Physical and occupational therapy, along with prescribed drug and orthopedic provisions, are important in the management of JRA. The therapists, and other medical professionals involved, work toward the following goals: decreasing joint inflammation, relieving pain, achieving or maintaining an optimal level of function, and educating the patient and family on the disease course and the required care. The focus of this study was to analyze the therapy programs currently used to treat JRA and the effects of early therapeutic intervention. The literature review indicated that therapy should begin as early and as decisively as possible to promote remission of JRA. Aquatic therapy is the method that has provided optimal results.

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