Medical services:
The department of pediatric rheumatology, which is part of the SRH Fachkrankenhaus, is located in Neckargemuend, Germany.
It is one of 6 medical centers in Germany specializing in the treatment of rheumatic diseases in children and adolescents.

We treat children and teenagers between the age of 1 and 18 years who are suffering from all different types of rheumatic diseases, such as all forms of juvenile chronic arthritis, all types of autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, dermatomyositis as well as all forms of scleroderma. Patients with periodic fever syndromes like Familial Mediterranean Fever, reactive arthritis, rheumatic fever and post streptococcal arthritis as well as patients suffering from juvenile pain syndromes, such as juvenile fibromyalgia, are treated in this center.

For children who need hospital treatment there is a pediatric rheumatology ward with 14 beds for inpatients. Outpatient services are offered in the outpatient clinic of the department. Head of the Department of Pediatric Rheumatology is Dr. Betina Rogalski.


Examples of treatment:
We offer all accredited and authorized medical therapies available on the market to treat rheumatic diseases in children and juveniles, including newer medication such as TNF blockers.

Another focus of treatment is intensive occupational therapy and physiotherapy which is conducted by therapists specializing in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. The nursing staff has received special training regarding the disease pattern of rheumatic diseases.

The department emphasizes on cold therapy for arthritis treatment. There is an ice machine for the treatment with ice packs and a “cold air therapy” machine for use during physical therapy. A masseur and balneotherapist ensures the availability of further types of physical therapy such as medical baths or massages.

A psychologist and a social worker complete the team and the teachers of the hospital school ensure the patient’s continuous education.

A health supply store on site and an orthopedic shoemaker located in nearby Heidelberg offer their services as well.


Support groups:
Our parents´ association and support group is called “Die Rheumels“.
There is also a close cooperation with “Rheuma-Liga Baden-Wuerttemberg, the League against rheumatism of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Together with the “Rheuma-Liga” we offer weekend seminars twice a year for patients with juvenile chronic arthritis and their parents.