Supporting healthy, comfortable movement for kids

We offer a nurturing, multidisciplinary approach to treating children with arthritis and other forms of rheumatological disorders

Rheumatology

The Rheumatology Program at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating children with all forms of rheumatological disorders. Our physical and occupational therapists, social workers and nurse specialists all participate in diagnosis, treatment, education and rehabilitation planning for our patients and families. Members of the pediatric rheumatology team also work closely with other subspecialty services in order to provide your child with the most comprehensive and thorough care possible.

The rheumatology team specializes in:

  • All forms of arthritis in children
  • Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) 
  • Dermatomyositis 
  • Unclassified inflammatory disease of musculoskeletal system

We also offer an integrative medicine approach to treating rheumatological disorders that may include a combination of conventional and unconventional treatments, such as mind–body therapies, nutrition and acupuncture. Integrative medicine can improve symptoms and, in some cases, reduce the need for traditional medicine and its associated side effects. Patients and families who are interested in integrative medicine should ask their pediatrician to specify that they would like an integrative medicine consultation with Dana Gerstbacher, MD, during the referral process. New patients and their family meet with Dr. Gerstbacher for an initial consultation that covers current symptoms, diet, exercise, sleep, sources of stress and more.