What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term used to describe any non-progressive disability resulting from damage to the brain tissue during pregnancy, birth, or during early childhood. The abnormal development or injury to the brain tissue disrupts the nerve signals to the muscles and therefore causes difficulty with movements, posture, and coordination. Cerebral Palsy covers any amount of damage to any part of the brain, and therefore symptoms and treatment vary dramatically depending on the individual.
Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy in children:
For children, treatment for Cerebral Palsy primarily aims to increase mobility and promote physical development such as sitting, crawling, and walking. Treatment should be started early and should aim to continue on a regular basis. Every child with Cerebral Palsy presents differently and has different needs. At PCDC, our specialist pediatric physiotherapists will tailor a treatment program specific to each child’s needs. Some of the physiotherapy treatments we offer aim to:
Increase muscle strength and activation
Decrease muscles tightness and spasms through stretching programs and splinting techniques
Encourage physical development through play and everyday activities
Improve mobility with the use of different aids
Occupational Therapy for Cerebral Palsy:
Cerebral Palsy affects individuals of all ages, therefore our specialist OTs aim to improve areas of personal care, work, or leisure that are becoming difficult and help each person to achieve their individual goals. This can be achieved through:
Functional activities independently or in groups
Assessing function in your own environment and establish any needs for equipment, adaptations, or further rehabilitation
Hand therapy including splinting and exercise programs
Advice and management of pressure relief through bed positioning and seating adaptations
Management and education to help individuals adapt and manage altered sensation
Knowledge of a wide variety of equipment available to aid transfers and mobility
Speech and Language Therapy for Cerebral Palsy:
Individuals with Cerebral Palsy often have difficulties with their speech and swallowing. Difficulties in written and non-verbal communication can also be experienced. Our specialist speech and language therapists can assist with:
Training for family and carers on how to communicate with someone with dysphasia
Advice and management with various communication aids
Treatment at the center or in your own home
Assistance with written communication including adaptive equipment
Neuropsychology for Cerebral Palsy:
Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition and affects people of all ages. Coming to terms with the symptoms and loss of independence at any age is a challenge. Our clinical neuropsychologists can help to provide:
Detailed assessment of a clients’ functioning in particular their cognition, behavior, and emotional state
Providing advice, consultation, teaching, and supervision to other professionals as well as family and carers
Management and advice for anxiety and changes in mood
Orthotics for Cerebral Palsy:
Orthotics may be an everyday requirement that often needs re-adjusting as the individual grows. Our specialist orthotist can help by designing, fitting, and altering orthoses to best complement your treatment and rehabilitation. These include:
Orthotics to prevent foot drop and aid walking
Night and day resting splints to maintain alignment and prevent contractures
Insoles to improve alignment, proprioception, and gait
Alteration to shoes to assist with leg length discrepancies, alignment and improve mobility
