What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain.
Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles. The symptoms of Cerebral palsy (CP) vary from person to person.
A person with severe Cerebral palsy might need to use special equipment to be able to walk, or might not be able to walk at all and might need lifelong care. A person with mild Cerebral palsy might walk a little awkwardly, but might not need any special help. It does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change over a person’s lifetime. All people with Cerebral palsy (CP) have problems with movement and posture.
Physical therapy is one of the most important forms of treatment for Cerebral palsy (CP). It uses exercises, therapeutic massage, adaptive equipment, heat treatments, and more to improve mobility, balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. Physical therapy is effective in improving upper extremity strength, mobility, foot rolling, and hand use.
According to study, the most effective physical therapy is intensive. It is also task-related, it more effective when it focuses on specific tasks and repeats those tasks. Most doctors recommend their cerebral palsy patients to regularly receive physical therapy. Physical therapies help children overcome physical limitations that significantly interfere with their daily lives. It constructs an in-depth, individualized treatment plan for each child’s strengths and weaknesses.
A licensed physical therapist will conduct an in-depth medical history and physical examination to assess muscle control, functions, and mechanics. Such as:
- Range of motion
- Physical strength
- Flexibility and balance
- Endurance
- Joint integrity
- Posture
- Sensory integration
- Cognitive functioning
- Reflexes
- Breathing
If you need guidance and advice in these areas, feel free to reach out for any questions you might have.
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