Cerebral palsy is a neurological illness commonly found in children. It is a congenital disease which affects the muscle tone, movement, coordination and reflex control in children. According to a report by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood.
Children with Cerebral Palsy tend to have a tough time performing day-to-day activities such as walking, sitting and holding objects. The symptoms and severity of this illness can vary from child to child. Most medical professionals recommend physical therapy exercises for cerebral palsy This is because, in numerous cases, physiotherapy has reduced the symptoms of CP and made them self-reliant individuals. Let’s take a look at how physiotherapy can help patients with cerebral palsy:
Better Mobility
The main aim of any physical therapy plan for CP is to improve the functional mobility in patients. Physiotherapists use progressive pattern movements to improve the mobility of joints. The therapist focuses on specific areas where mobility is an issue and conducts exercise sessions accordingly. These exercises have known to improve mobility in children.
Improved Muscle Tone
There are different types of conditions associated with Cerebral Palsy, one such being spastic cerebral palsy. Patients suffering from this condition tend to have painful muscle tightening. This can be corrected with physical therapy exercises for cerebral palsy. Exercises for strength training and muscle tone improvement are known to help children regain their mobility and lessen the degree of pain.
Increased Ability To Walk
Another benefit of these exercises is that they help with walking, improving posture and in performing transitional movements. Specialized body movements which focus on kneeling, sitting and standing enhance the posture and the body balance of patients. Your physiotherapist will tailor your exercise therapy based on the type of Cerebral Palsy you are suffering from to aid the process of movement.
Reduced Abnormal Reflexes
Most physiotherapists use a wide range of mobility aids as they progress through the therapy. Exercise balls, resistance bands, free weights, hot and cold packs and electric muscle stimulation tools are used during therapy. These tools and equipment help in improving posture, mobility, and flexibility. They also play a major role in normalizing the reflexes in children. Based on the age of the child, physiotherapists use various types of orthotic equipment to improve his reflexes.
So these were a few benefits of physical therapy exercises for cerebral palsy. At Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic, our team of physiotherapists provides treatment for a variety of neurological conditions including cerebral palsy. Our therapists use specialized methods such as motor control relearning model, suspension therapy, functional electrical stimulation and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation approach to help regain a greater range of motion in your child. Get in touch with us to know more about our treatment options.