Physiotherapy and rheumatological disorders

Many patients presenting to paediatric rheumatology services require physical therapy. The physiotherapist may take on multiple roles and responsibilities within the team, including diagnostic, therapeutic, disease education, coordinator, patient advocate and facilitator of access to research programmes. As such the physiotherapist will need a background understanding of each disease involving the multi-disciplinary management.In this review, we aim to highlight the importance of the physiotherapist and the roles taken in our multi-disciplinary approach to assessment and treatment of children with rheumatological disorders. Early accurate diagnosis and appropriate management will lead to improved prognosis.