Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy: Why Is It Important?
Cerebral Palsy (CP disease) is a group of disorders that affect muscle movements and coordination. There are also cases where CP may affect hearing, vision and sensations. Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor disability in adults and children.
The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy may vary from case to case; they may also range from mild to severe. Some people with CP may have problems walking and sitting, and others may have difficulty grasping or holding objects. Other symptoms include the following:
* delay in reaching milestones, such as crawling, rolling over, and sitting alone.
* spasticity (stiff muscles, exaggerated reflexes)
* ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)
* involuntary muscle movement (tremors)
* difficulty speaking or delay in speech development
* problems with swallowing; excessive drooling
* neurological issues: seizures, intellectual disabilities; blindness
Symptoms of CP may be present at birth for most children; others show signs only after a few months of birth.
Unusual brain development may cause cerebral palsy and injury to the developing brain. The injury to the brain affects the part that controls body movement, posture or coordination. The damage usually happens before birth and may also be possible during birth or the first years of life.
Other possible causes of cerebral palsy are:
* head injuries due to fall, child abuse, or car accident
* bleeding into the brain
* brain infections
* lack of oxygen to the brain during labour
* severe jaundice in infants
* gene mutations
* infections acquired in the womb, such as German measles
Cerebra Palsy Treatment
As of this writing, there is no known cure for cerebral palsy. However, some treatments can allow management of the effects and prevent or delay occurrences of complications. The types of cerebral palsy treatment vary from one person to another. Some CP patients may not need much assistance, while others rely on long-term care for their symptoms. No matter how severe the condition is, treatment can enhance their motor skills and communication ability, thus improving their lives. Some of the treatments for cerebral palsy include the following:
* medications
* Surgery
* speech therapy
* occupational therapy
* physiotherapy (physical therapy)
* psychotherapy (counselling)
* social services consultations
* assistive aids (walking aids, braces, wheelchairs)
Physiotherapy treatment supports children and adults with cerebral palsy and manages their symptoms concerning movements, posture and balance. Physiotherapy for cerebral palsy can also help improve motor skills development and stop movement issues from worsening over time. The treatment can also help children with cerebral palsy acquire more independence in their daily activities.
The goal of cerebral palsy physiotherapy is to maximise the functional control of the body through training. Physical therapy can do the following:
* improve the existing motor skills
* minimise pain
* teach skills on movement and posture
* help strengthen muscles
* Provide support with sitting, walking and mobility
A cerebral palsy physiotherapy session can happen at home, in a special classroom, in a practitioner’s office, or in a rehabilitation center.
The recommended exercises for cerebral palsy rehabilitation include those that promote the improvement of muscle control, manage spasticity and stop muscle tightening. Also, these exercises should focus on posture improvement, sitting, kneeling, and standing. For infants with cerebral palsy, physiotherapists can give special exercises to improve their mobility.
A therapist may also use assistive devices or mobility aids such as braces, splints, casts, shoe inserts, etc., to help with movement. Electrical stimulation may also be used to improve the patient’s gait and limb function.
Conclusion: While cerebral palsy cannot be cured, the good news is that it can be treated with better therapies and medication; and spreading awareness about the condition. Living with CP can be much easier today than it was years ago.
Mission Walk is a rehabilitation center for cerebral palsy, and it is an expert in providing medical care for people with the condition. We offer a wide range of services for people – kids and adults – who are living with cerebral palsy.
At Mission Walk, we have a team of doctors, rehabilitation nurses and therapists working together to manage cerebral palsy symptoms and strengthen the child’s mind and body. Our team uses various forms of therapy, medical tools and adaptive equipment.
Call us at our numbers 91 91773 00194 or send us an email at rehab@missionwalk.in if you need more information about our cerebral palsy treatments.
