Agape Physio can treat...

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. Symptoms vary widely among individuals, affecting body movement, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture, and balance. Although cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for those with CP. Here’s an overview of cerebral palsy, the symptoms patients may experience, and how physiotherapy can help.

About this condition

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development. CP primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination but can also include intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, and seizures.

What you may be feeling

Variations in muscle tone, such as being either too stiff or too floppy.
Stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity), or lack of muscle coordination (ataxia).
Tremors or involuntary movements.
Delays in reaching motor skill milestones, such as sitting up or crawling.
Favoring one side of the body, such as reaching with one hand or dragging a leg while crawling.
Difficulty walking, such as walking on toes, a crouched gait, or a scissor-like gait.
Intellectual disabilities, speech delays, and difficulty with fine motor skills.

How we can help you

Exercise Therapy

Tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. These exercises help enhance mobility and can reduce the risk of contractures.

Motor Skill Development

Assisting in the development of motor skills like sitting, standing, and walking. Physiotherapists use specific techniques and equipment to support skill acquisition.

Spasticity Management

Techniques and exercises to manage spasticity, including stretching routines, positioning, and sometimes the use of splints or casts to prevent contractures.

Gait Training & Postural Control

Improving walking efficiency and safety. This may involve the use of orthotic devices, walkers, or other assistive devices. We can also provide training and exercises to improve posture and balance, which are essential for daily activities.

Daily Living Assistance

Focus on daily living tasks like dressing and personal hygiene to promote independence, along with assessing and recommending adaptive equipment like wheelchairs, standing frames, or communication devices to enhance mobility and function.

Family and Caregiver Education

Educating families and caregivers about handling techniques, exercise programs, and strategies to support the child’s development and participation in daily activities.

So, what next?

Physiotherapy for individuals with cerebral palsy is highly individualised, taking into account the severity of the condition, the individual’s needs and goals, and potential comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach, often including occupational therapists, speech therapists, and medical professionals, ensures comprehensive care. The goal of physiotherapy in cerebral palsy is not only to improve physical abilities but also to enhance participation in school, community, and home activities, thereby improving the overall quality of life.

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