Many children whose disease is well-controlled or inactive want to play a sport. A PT can help the child choose a sport that matches his or her abilities and interests and develop a training program to remediate deficits in strength, endurance, motor skills, and neuromuscular control, thereby reducing the risk of injury (See fig. 1). Low impact drills that challenge movement speed, agility, and coordination add interest to a conditioning regimen. Finally the child should be taught how to recognize the signs of overuse, use RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for pain and swelling, and modify his or her activities to reduce stress to the joint.
Dr. Klepper is assistant professor of clinical physical therapy at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.
