Rheumatology

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
• Sjögren’s Syndrome
• Dermatomyositis
• Scleroderma
• Morphea
• Systemic Vasculitis (Henoch Schonlein Pupura, Kawasaki Disease, Other Vasculitis)
• Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
• Periodic Fever Syndromes
• Sarcoidosis
• Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis/Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
• Lyme Arthritis
• Uveitis

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Limping without injury
• Muscle pain
• Muscle weakness
• Prolonged fevers
• Rashes
• Fatigue

The occupational therapists (OT) and physical therapists (PT) in the Division of Rheumatology are specially trained to meet the unique needs of children with rheumatic diseases. Connecticut Children’s OT/PT services will help restore your child’s ability to function in his or her everyday home and school environments with the highest level of independence.

Occupational and physical therapists have similar areas of focus, but work with different parts of the body to prepare children for many common activities.

• Occupational therapists focus on the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck. They evaluate how your child uses these body parts in activities such as writing, getting dressed and carrying things.
• Physical therapists focus on the feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and neck. They assess how your child uses these body parts for activities such as walking, running and playing. Physical therapists also teach your child how to maintain good posture during daily activities.

Our rheumatologists and therapists work together to tailor occupational and physical therapy individually for the optimal benefit of each child.

OT/PT services at Connecticut Children’s include:

• A full evaluation to develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques to help reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability
• A comprehensive exercise program to correct muscle imbalances, improve function and increase range of motion
• A focus on hands-on treatment with manual therapy to decrease muscle spasm
• A personalized home exercise program that fits the needs of each child and family
• Education for parents and families on how to manage their child’s condition and achieve the highest level of activity

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest national nonprofit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. It offers tools to help children live a better life with juvenile arthritis, including information on classroom and school success. The Arthritis Foundation supports some of the rheumatology research programs at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. The New England Region chapter of the Arthritis Foundation offers Connecticut-based programs and events that bring children and families together. 
 

The Lupus Foundation of America is the oldest and largest national nonprofit voluntary health organization focused on improving the quality of life for children and adults with lupus.