How an 11-Year-Old Reversed Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Naturally

August 9, 2026 keelie

Someone recently asked me, “What are the most memorable patient transformations you’ve seen over the last 40 years of practice?” One patient immediately came to mind—an 11-year-old girl with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who was able to get out of pain, get off all her medication, and completely turn her life around.

My name is Dr. Tom Rofrano from the Natural Medicine Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and author of the FreeDiet®. Most of the patients I see come in with gut or thyroid issues, and this patient was no exception.

Her Symptoms: Pain, Swelling & Life on Hold

This young girl came in with:

Abdominal pain
Constipation
Pain and swelling in her hands, elbows, knees, feet, neck, and back

She had been diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, now called juvenile idiopathic arthritis, meaning the cause is unknown.

One rheumatologist also diagnosed her with:

Fibromyalgia
Chronic pain syndrome

What Doctors Told Her

She was prescribed:

Steroids
Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory medications
Muscle relaxants
Anticonvulsants
Antidepressants

Despite all of this, she was still in pain.

Her life came to a standstill:

She couldn’t go to school
She couldn’t ride horses (her passion)
Her hand was so swollen she couldn’t write
She stayed home all day watching TV
She felt isolated and depressed

The doctors told her parents:

“This is for life. She’ll need steroids forever. She won’t be able to go to school. She’ll be homebound.”

But they refused to accept that as her future.

What Was Missing: No One Looked for Root Causes

Despite seeing multiple specialists, no one:

Ran blood or urine analysis
Evaluated her gut health
Checked for nutrient deficiencies
Assessed her sleep, diet, or exercise
Considered emotional stress
Looked for underlying inflammation

She was given labels—but no answers.

The Approach That Changed Everything

I worked with her for almost three months using:

A gut-healing, anti-inflammatory diet
Nutritional supplements
Manual therapy
Gentle movement and rehabilitation

Little by little, she began to improve.

Her Transformation: Pain Gone, Life Restored

Over the course of three months:

Her pain disappeared
Swelling resolved
Abdominal pain went away
Energy returned
She went back to school
She started playing sports again
She was able to ride horses
Her mood and confidence improved
She no longer needed medication

Her mom shared:

“She became her old self again—socially, academically, emotionally. It changed everything.”

Her daughter added:

“I’m happy again. I’m making friends, going out, and living my life.”

How She Healed: The FreeDiet®

A major part of her recovery was the FreeDiet®, which removes the most common inflammatory foods.

Foods to Avoid on the FreeDiet®

Gluten
Grains
Sugar
Yeast
Dairy
Eggs
Soy
Legumes
Nightshades
Processed foods

This diet can reduce inflammation, heal the gut, and calm the immune system—essential for autoimmune conditions like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

I’ll include a link below to the FreeDiet® Phase 1 Food Chart.

Supplements & Support

Along with the FreeDiet®, she received:

Targeted nutritional supplements
Gut-healing support
Anti-inflammatory nutrients
Gentle chiropractic and rehabilitative therapy
Emotional support and encouragement

Her mom said:

“Everyone here cared about how she felt emotionally and physically. It wasn’t just about masking symptoms—it was about healing.”

One Year Later: Thriving

A year after her recovery, she shared:

She had made more friends than ever
She was going out every weekend
She was doing great in school
She was riding horses again
She was happy and active
She no longer needed steroids or medications

Her words:

“I’m happy about living again. I can be with my friends and do what I love.”

The Bottom Line: Healing Is Possible

If you’re suffering from digestive issues, autoimmune, or other chronic health issues, it’s important to get the proper testing to discover the root causes so you can be provided the right solutions. If you do this, I believe almost anyone can get better.

Go here if you would like a free copy of the FreeDiet® phase 1 food chart.

Download The FreeDiet® Phase 1 Food Chart

from Dr. Rofrano's best-selling book, The FreeDiet®

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Natural Medicine Clinic - Dr. Tom Rofrano

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Rebecca Dyckman

5 years ago

I began treatment under Dr. Tom and Dawn in early August. I had a shopping list of complaints. Many of them I'd been dealing with for 25 to 30 years. Traditional doctors told me again and again that I was perfectly healthy, implying that much of this was in my head. Dr. Tom ran numerous tests based on his hunches, and I'm glad that he did. Tests revealed many things never uncovered by any of my previous doctors. I began feeling relief from some symptoms within a few days and gradually began feeling relief from most others. I'm about 5 weeks into the program and feeling so much better. I had concerns about sticking it out because it is definitely a vastly different way of doing things and it is quite an investment. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This is the first time in my many years of trying to get better that I can actually see that light. I am excited to update in another few months because I feel certain that I'll be able to report that I am fully healed. Thank you Dr. Tom and Dawn (and Angelika). You all are an amazing team and I feel blessed that you all are working so hard to get me well. Thank you!!

Andrea Fiebe

5 years ago

I am beyond grateful for Dr. Tom and his staff!! Kayla, Dawn and Alexandra have gone out of their way to help me and I know my situation hasn't been easy. I came to Dr. Tom with a long list of issues and hopeless. I am proud to say that a year later and I am thriving. I went from not working out at all to working out 4 days a week, plus yoga. I traveled around the country to many holistic doctors and he has been the only way to help me see major progress. My only regret is that I didn't meet him sooner. I feel taken care of and so grateful for my experience with them.

Amanda Bailey

5 years ago

Dr. Tom Rofrano's Natural Medicine Clinic has changed my life. I came to him with an enlarged thyroid nodule, pain in my joints and tendons, increasing weight, imbalanced hormones, a leaky gut and so many other issues that I didn't even know were causing my symptoms. After extensive testing, he put me on a tailored protocol as well as the Free Diet (trademarked) to help clear up my symptoms. I have been on this protocol for 5 months and I have never felt better. I have more energy, reduced stress, overall happiness, no pain in my joints, clear skin, better menstrual cycles, no pms symptoms of irritability or mood swings. I lost 20 lbs and my gut is healing. All with supplements, dietary changes, and environmental changes to my daily life. I emphatically endorse this method and hope everyone seeks him out. He got to the root cause of my symptoms and I am on a path to heal myself holistically without traditional medicine. In addition to Dr. Rofrano, everyone in his clinic is extremely helpful and generous with their time. I have never met a more caring team of support from a clinic. Thank you to Kayla and Angelika and all the NMC support team for what they have done for me. In addition, I don't even live nearby and Dr. Rofrano and his team have worked to ship all my tests and supplies to me, Zoom my follow up visits, and help me find what I need in my area. So grateful to them all.
-Amanda Bailey

Christine VanBasten

5 years ago

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2001 and have had severe abdominal swelling since 2008. People continuously asked me when my baby was due and I was never pregnant. I didn't want to be in public or go to work because I didn't feel well and I was extremely self conscious of my body shape. Since starting the FreeDiet in March 2021, I have lost 12 pounds. I am no longer bloated and all my coltis symptoms have disappeared. After completing extensive bloodwork and testing Dr. Rofrano discovered that I am allergic to Gluten and Candida. I knew I was allergic to Gluten and knew that I struggled with Candida but never realized I could be allergic to Candida as well. After eliminating anything fermented from my diet, I feel pain free in my stomach. Food is enjoyable once again. I am very happy with my improved health and energy thanks to this diet, supplements and to Dr. Rofrano. My colleagues are commenting and how healthy and young I look. I highly recommend Dr. Rofrano and all his services.

Troy Stark

5 years ago

Testosterone gain of 50% in 30 days with NO drugs. DR. Tom’s nutrition and supplement guidance is foolproof, however, it’s up to you to do the work. My bloodwork improved amazingly across the full spectrum. If you want to be healthy and actually see the lab results go to NMC!

Betty Diller

5 years ago

I was in a very sickly state with very high blood pressure, Epstein Barr Virus, severe digestive issues, IBS, and constant UTI ‘s that were always back to back. My cholesterol was 244 and my inflammation was off the charts / extremely high!!!! I decided to read “free diet” book written by Dr Rofrano. It made total sense, so I decided to proceed with the blood tests. This is when I discovered all my lab work was in a very poor state. He uncovered a lot of information and made me aware of why my health was poor and why I was feeling badly!!! I started to follow the diet and take the suggested supplements. Within 5 to 6 weeks everything turned around for me. My labs were nearly perfect in all the previously scary areas where the numbers were completely out of range. I am feeling much better and I am raving about the free diet / supplements that Dr Rofrano can offer you for your specific issues. he is gifted to know exactly how to help each person deal with their health issues. I am grateful to God I found him and had the initiative to move forward!!!! PTL !!!!

Janet Oquendo

6 years ago

My health had been declining over the last 5 years. I have consulted with no less than 6 naturopaths. Non of which was able to help me regain my health. After more recent lab tests my Feritin level had skyrocketed at which point now I was worried. Every one I spoke to said the only option was to do leeching (where they draw out your blood periodically). That did not sound like an option. Then I found Dr Rofrano. To be honest I was extremely skeptical as I have spend lots of money and time with other naturopaths only to end up right back at the beginning. However I had nothing to loose (other than $$$) I decided to give him one try before I competely gave up. I can say I am 100% happy!!!... After an in-depth consultation, and extensive testing. Many deficiencies were uncovered not to mention, sensitivities, thyroid, hormones, high cholesterol the list goes on and on. We began a supplement regiment to get things back on track. Its now 6 weeks later. My labs have significantly improved, my cholesterol is now in normal range, my feritin level has significantly dropped and I am feeling a lot better. Its still early and my body has more healing to do. I am ecstatic to say we are on the right track. My labs have never looked better. If you are just not feeling well and really need to find a solution would highly recommend you contact the Natural Medicine Clinic and speak to Dr Tom Rofrano.. you will NOT be dissapointed.

Shannon Empfield

6 years ago

Great Dr. his book is amazing and the supplements they sell are of highest quality. I’ve been taking them for years now and my health has improved greatly. I highly recommend Natural Medicine Clinic.

D M

6 years ago

Stay away. Extremely expensive for results. All they want to do is throw pills at you for thousands of dollars.. Not worth the money.
Find someone who takes an interest in your health not your wallet.

Eric Myskowski

6 years ago

If you’re looking to take back your health and move foreword into longevity, I highly suggest Dr. Rofrano and his excellent team. They provide you with step by step guidance on how to make all your health dreams a reality. Be ready to commit to his individualized program for the best results possible. I would recommend Dr. Rofrano and his practice to anyone and everyone looking to finally understand your health and what it takes to get back to living the life you want to live. This is what real health is all about.

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How an 11-Year-Old Reversed Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Naturally

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Download The FreeDiet® Phase 1 Food Chart

from Dr. Rofrano's best-selling book, The FreeDiet®

Success Stories

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Natural Medicine Clinic

Serving the Florida communities of:

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Download The FreeDiet® Phase 1 Food Chart

from Dr. Rofrano's best-selling book, The FreeDiet®

Success Stories

Hours

Schedule An Appointment

Natural Medicine Clinic

Serving the Florida communities of:

Schedule An
Appointment