Treating mechanical joint dysfunction in children: a retrospective exploratory report of selected cases

ABSTRACT

Aims

The purpose of reporting on selected cases is to increase the recognition and treatment of mechanical joint dysfunction (restrictions in movement at the joint level) in pediatric patients.

Methods

The selected cases demonstrate a variety of clinical outcomes that are possible using manual therapy to improve mechanical joint dysfunction and chronic pain. The techniques used for these patents were performed by a physical therapist without formal manual therapy training to encourage more physical therapists to use manual therapy as an intervention to improve outcomes in pediatric patients.

Results

The hands-on treatment used to treat mechanical joint dysfunction improved participation and function in children of various ages with a variety of clinical issues.

Conclusions

: Recognizing and treating mechanical joint restrictions that interfere with active movement in children may result in decreased pain and improved motor skills, balance, self-regulation, sleep hygiene, and social interactions. Clinicians should consider manual therapy as an intervention strategy for pediatric patients with mechanical joint restrictions.

KEYWORDS:

• Manual therapy
• chronic pain
• constipation
• developmental delay
• balance
• incoordination

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to express appreciation to Patricia Montgomery, PhD, PT, FAPTA and Kelly Roberts Lane DPT, FACSM for content advice; Kristin Westbrock, Clinical Manager – Children’s Theraplay, Maplewood, MN for patient recruitment and parental permission; and William O Roberts, MD, MS, FACSM for manuscript review and editing suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.