Moving Better, Feeling Stronger: How Physical Therapy Supports Children with Juvenile Arthritis

By Dr. Nicole Lombardo Stoltz, PT, DPT ///

When most people hear the word “arthritis,” they often think of aging joints and older adults. But did you know that nearly 300,000 children in the United States live with some form of arthritis? According to the Arthritis Foundation, juvenile arthritis (JA) is not a single disease, but an umbrella term for a group of pediatric rheumatic conditions — including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) — that affect children under the age of 16.

Here at Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, we recognize July as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month and are proud to support young patients and their families by providing expert orthopedic physical therapy that can significantly improve their quality of life.

What is Juvenile Arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis encompasses a group of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility in children and adolescents. The most common form, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), can affect one or more joints and, if left untreated, may lead to growth problems, joint damage, or even permanent disability.

Though the condition is lifelong, early intervention and a team-based care approach — including a pediatric rheumatologist and a skilled physical therapist — can help children lead active, fulfilling lives.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Young Patients Thrive

At our Edgewater clinic, we provide specialized Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation services tailored to pediatric and adolescent patients facing the challenges of JA. Under the care of our licensed orthopedic physical therapists, we focus on:

• Pain Management: Gentle, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy help decrease pain levels without the need for medications. Our team uses age-appropriate techniques to address stiffness and improve flexibility.

• Improved Joint Function: JA can limit joint movement, but we work to maintain — and even increase — a child’s range of motion, helping them stay active in the classroom, on the playground, or in the field.

• Prevention of Deformities: When inflammation is left unchecked, joints can become damaged or misaligned. With targeted therapy, we strengthen supportive muscles and guide proper biomechanics, helping prevent long-term joint deformities.

• Enhanced Physical Fitness: Kids with arthritis often become less active due to pain or fatigue. Our sports-focused rehab programs promote strength, balance, and cardiovascular endurance to keep kids healthy and energized.

• Support for Independence and Confidence: Our treatment plans are built to empower young patients. As they learn to understand their bodies and build strength, they also develop self-confidence and a sense of control over their health.

Techniques and Tools We Use in Therapy

Every child is unique, which is why we develop customized, hands-on therapy plans tailored to each patient’s specific condition and goals. Some of the specialized treatments and techniques we use include:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce joint stiffness, improve circulation, and gently mobilize affected areas.

• Range-of-Motion Exercises: Targeted movements designed to maintain or improve flexibility and prevent joint contractures.

• Strengthening Exercises: We use body weight, resistance bands, and light weights to help build muscle support around inflamed or weakened joints.

• Balance and Conditioning Drills: These exercises help young patients improve stability and coordination while promoting whole-body fitness.

• Functional Movement Training: Tailored to the child’s lifestyle, sports, or developmental stage to ensure they’re moving safely and confidently.

Using a combination of these approaches, our team works to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote long-term joint health in growing bodies.

A Holistic Team Approach

We believe in collaboration. Working closely with your child’s rheumatologist, our team ensures that every aspect of their care is aligned — from medications to movement. This team-based approach is crucial for managing flare-ups, setting realistic activity goals, and promoting consistent progress.

Why Choose Scerbo Physical Therapy?

Conveniently located across the Hudson River in Edgewater, NJ, Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation has served Bergen County families with expert, compassionate care for over 15 years. Our clinic offers:

• Board-certified orthopedic physical therapists

• Customized treatment plans for pediatric patients

• Modern rehabilitation equipment and kid-friendly techniques

• One-on-one, hands-on therapy sessions in a welcoming environment

Our mission is for every child who deserves the chance to move freely, play confidently, and grow into a strong, independent adult — and we’re here to help make that happen.

Let’s Work Together for Brighter, Healthier Futures

If your child has been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, know that you’re not alone — and that expert, effective support is just around the corner.

Connect with us today to discover how our customized Orthopedic Physical Therapy services can make a meaningful difference. Together, we’ll help your child build strength, reduce pain, and take bold steps toward a more active life.

Contact us at our Edgewater office at (201) 941-2240 or fill out the online form to book an appointment to reserve your spot—your best summer run starts here.

 

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Dr. Nicole Lombardo Stoltz, PT, DPT, received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rutgers University. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware, where she participated in long and triple jump events for the Women’s Track and Field team. 

She enjoys integrating her knowledge of the human body and exercise to optimize the fitness and modify exercises for each member as needed. She holds certifications in CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Kids, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Her areas of interest are outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation.