What exercises are good for muscle strengthening?
This will be decided on an individual basis depending on the joints that are affected. Muscle weakness happens quite quickly in children with arthritis, as muscles are not being used and exercised in the normal way, inflammation also contributes further to this weakness. It is important that each exercise is repeated (usually 15 times) and increased (usually to 30 times), as your child gets stronger. The physiotherapist may then advise you to add weights during these exercises to increase the muscle strength further. It is important that these exercises are carried out at least four times a week. Balance and co-ordination exercises are also useful to help your child carry out functional activities more easily. As your child becomes stronger and fitter the programme can again be modified and performed at a level that maintains this fitness, usually 2-3 times a week. As well as exercising it should be remembered that your child may be easily tired and rest periods can therefore be import
