Exercise for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has the goal of relieving pain and inflammation, preventing or diminishing joint destruction and helping the individual lead a functioning lifestyle. With approximately 50,000 children in the United States affected by this disease, according to kidshealth.org, it is important to promote physical activity that increases the child's capability of movement. Exercises range from increasing flexibility to strengthening muscles. Making the exercises part of family activity increases their fun.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
Prior to undergoing any activity, have your child do flexibility (range-of-motion) exercises to avoid injury.
Do muscle stretches. For the fingers, put the hands in a praying position. Gently push to one side and then the other side.
Do neck stretches. According to nismat.org, place the left hand on the opposite side of the head. Gently pull the head to left side. Repeat with other side.
Do shoulder shrugs. Lift the shoulders up, states the Mayo Clinic. Hold. Return to original position. Repeat.
Do back and lower body stretches. Lay on flat surface with legs extended in front of you. Gently bend at your abdomen. Keep the back straight. Lower until you are looking straight at the knees. Touch your toes, if possible.
Do ankle and calf stretches. While sitting in a firm chair, place your feet firmly on the ground. Pull your toes upward. Hold. Return. Repeat.
Water Activities
Use water as the exercise mode. Water's natural buoyancy defies gravity and makes for a healthier and easier exercise for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when compared to land-based activities, according to arthritis.org. Joint impact is eliminated in water-based exercises. Water therapy is commonly used during physical rehabilitation due to it being gentle on the joints and body.
Do a dog paddle. Put your child in the water on her stomach, with her vest on. Hold on to her stomach. Have her start to paddle with both her arms and legs similar to how a dog swims when in water. Do for a couple of minutes to start. As your child is more comfortable, you can let her dog paddle on her own in the shallow end of the pool.
Swimming. According to the Mayo Clinic, swimming is a preferred exercise for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It works all muscle groups in the body. Swimming both stretches and strengthens muscles. Be certain to put a flotation vest on your child prior to swimming. Start out swimming in the shallow end of the pool doing laps across the pool's width. Then, when comfortable, move to swimming laps the length of the pool.
Bicycling Exercises
Start stationary bicycling. Known for being easy on the joints, stationary bicycling is a helpful exercise for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that can be enjoyed in the convenience of your home. Start out with only three minutes at no resistance. As your child is comfortable, increase both the duration and intensity level.
You also can bicycle outdoors. You can either put your child's stationary bike outdoors or buy a regular bicycle and ride around the area. There are a variety of bicycle trails specifically set aside for such outings.
Warm Up
Prepare the muscles. Be sure to have your child warm up properly by doing muscle stretching (range of motion exercises) prior to starting any exercise for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, according to kidshealth.org. Warm muscles increase the muscle's flexibility and help decrease pain levels.
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