Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for a group of disorders that affect an individual’s ability to move, balance and maintain their posture.  It is the most common motor disability found in children, impacting 2.3 per 1000 children. CP is caused by abnormal brain development, or damage to the developing brain, having a big impact on their ability to control their muscles. The severity of CP varies from person to person and presentations can range from being able to walk independently to relying on a wheelchair assistance for all mobility. Although CP does not get worse over time, the symptoms can change as the child grows. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing the symptoms of CP and enhancing the individual’s quality of life.

This blog explores the significance of physiotherapy for individuals with cerebral palsy, emphasizing its diverse aspects and role in enhancing mobility and independence.

Physiotherapy for cerebral palsy

Physiotherapy is a crucial early intervention tool  for cerebral palsy, helping children to achieve their maximum potential for physical independence, improving their quality of life and increasing their ability to function and participate in their environment

Physiotherapists will use a variety of interventions to enhance a child’s autonomy, strength and coordination of their voluntary movement. Some of the interventions used by a physiotherapist might include;  stretching, positioning, motor patterning, strengthening, functional training, balance training, splinting and orthotics and gait reeducation  

The effectiveness varies based on the severity, with milder cases requiring only physical therapy, while severe cases may involve a combination of treatments. 

Early initiation of physical therapy is vital for optimal improvement in children with cerebral palsy.

What to expect from your physiotherapy session?

Tailored physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy begins with a detailed evaluation in which your therapist will take a detailed subjective history, including the birth history of the child. The therapist will then carry out a physical exam of the child, looking at their joint range of movement, muscle strength, level of functional ability and movement. Based on the findings of their assessment, recommendations for treatment will then be made, including the recommended frequency of physiotherapy sessions. 

Outcome Measures:

Your therapist might choose to use a standardised outcome measure such as the Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) to check your child’s baseline level of function. This allows your therapist to provide a targeted treatment plan based on specific goals relevant to your child. The GMFM is a validated assessment tool that allows the therapist to measure change in gross motor function of the child over time.  

Therapy Goals

Your therapist will work closely with the child, their family and any other healthcare professionals involved in order to set realistic goals for the therapy.  

Treatment

Some of the interventions you may expect from your therapist include:

• Balance and coordination exercises
• Gait training / gait re-education
• Postural control exercises
• Muscle strengthening exercises
• Stretching programmes
• Positioning programmes
• Serial casting or splinting referrals and recommendations
• Movement patterning exercises
• Soft tissue mobilisation

Exercise endurance and conditioning exercises Equipment Your physiotherapist is trained in assessing and prescribing equipment for your child such as; mobility aids, standing frames, wheelchairs, orthotics, gaiters, gait trainers and specialist seating systems. 

Consult our team of paediatric physiotherapists at Neuropedia  in Dubai

 Neuropedia, a Dubai-based neuroscience center, offers comprehensive care for infants, children, and young people aged 0-18 years. 

Neuropedia’s  Paediatric physiotherapy department is led by a team of European-trained therapists and Paediatric neurologists who strive to maximise every child’s potential. Utilising the latest techniques to enhance function and quality of life for children with diverse diagnoses and disabilities. 

Book an appointment now.