Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

What is it?
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition where the cause is unknown. In JIA the immune system, which is meant to fight foreign particles and infections, begins to attack the body’s own cells and tissues. JIA is the most common type of arthritis in children and teenagers, affecting around 5000 children in Australia.

JIA can result in pain and swelling in joints, movement restrictions and impact on a child’s growth and development. It can also affect the skin, eyes and other body systems.

Your Physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment, looking at your child’s medical history, medications, joints, function, mobility, strength and balance. They will speak with your child about JIA and ensure they understand its impact on function, school, family and their social life.

Physiotherapy intervention may involve:

• Education and advice
• Joint mobilisations
• Gait and movement pattern retraining
• Hydrotherapy
• Strength activities
• Stretching
• Balance activities
• Home exercise program focusing on range of motion and strength

Our therapists will work closely with you child and your family, health professionals and school to reduce the impact JIA has on your lives. Your child’s physiotherapy management plan will be tailor made, taking into consideration your family and schedule. At AIM Therapy, we take great pride in delivering Physiotherapy services as unique as your child from assessment to intervention to meeting goals. If you would like more information about our services or would like to go ahead with a booking, we welcome you to contact us 6150 8339 or hello@aimtherapy.com.au.