Specialist neurological physiotherapy will help children and adults with cerebral palsy. Physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy
Neurological physiotherapy will help babies and children by promoting mobility and physical development to reach milestones as soon as possible, e.g. rolling, crawling and walking.
Physiotherapy should start as soon as possible so that functional improvements can be made. Physiotherapy treatment will involve:
- Exercises based around everyday activities to increase muscle strength and control so that your child is able to shift their body weight and balance better.
- Stretching to lengthen muscles and prevent stiffness.
- Exercises to increase their functional ability such as learning to stand and walk independently or with an aid.
- Mirror imaging to increase your child’s awareness of where their limbs are in space at rest and during movement (proprioception).
- Activities to correct positioning and to gain better head and trunk control.
- Advice about supportive devices such as using a wheelchair, orthotic devices or other adaptive equipment.
Physiotherapy for adults with cerebral palsy
Neurological physiotherapy treatment for adults with cerebral palsy will focus on improving functional ability, increase muscle strength and enhance flexibility of joints that may have become stiff over time.
Physiotherapy treatment for adults with cerebral palsy will aim to:
- Increase muscle strength
- Promote mobility such as walking and standing without an aid
- Reduce stiffness by lengthening tight muscles.
- Promote flexibility of joints to help make movements smooth and efficient.
- Increase stamina and energy levels
- Improve confidence will balance and reduce the risk of falling.
- Improve positioning to help posture
- Advise about supportive devices such as using a wheelchair, orthotic devices or other adaptive equipment
