Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy
CEREBRAL PALSY PHYSIOTHERAPY
The
word “cerebral” means having to do
with brain and “palsy” means a
weakness or problem in solving the body. Cerebral palsy is a broad term. It is
a type of brain damage which causes trouble in controlling the movement of
body. There is no cure for cerebral palsy. But physiotherapy is often the first
step in treating cerebral palsy and it prevents movement problems from getting
worse over time. So, beginning physiotherapy as early as possible usually gives
children the best chance of improvement.
“The main
goal of cerebral palsy physiotherapy is to make every day movement easy for
children”
What are the
benefits of physiotherapy for cerebral palsy?
There are many benefits of physical
therapy, such as:
Ø It helps to improve
mobility and prevents future issues such as, contracture and dislocations by
keeping the body strong and flexible.
Ø It also improves the level
of self-reliance of your children.
Ø It can reduce jerky
movements in spastic palsy and relieve stiffness over time.
Ø Cerebral palsy
physiotherapy improves muscle tone and gain more control over movement.
Ø There are some exercises
that can improve balance problem in children with cerebral palsy.
SOME QUICK AND EASY HOME
EXERCISES FOR A CHILD WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
v Lying on the tummy: this exercise is
really simple and easy to fit into everyday life. This exercise provides
stretch to the front of the body. Make sure that your child is straight not
twisting one way.
v Draw a square on the ground.
Now help your child to take steps forward, backwards and sideways. Folow the
four sides of the square. Make it fun by placing a piece of colored toy in each
corner.
v Homemade pushcarts
or walker can provide both support and independence for the child who
is learning to walk or who has balance problems.
FINDING A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Parents looking for a physiotherapist
need to find someone who has an experience in treating children with cerebral
palsy. ANTARNAAD is a growing network of
an experienced physiotherapists, provides cerebral palsy physiotherapy by using
various techniques. We use observation and series of standardized tests to
measure motor function. We look for specific postures and movements that could
be corrected and develop their plan of treatment accordingly. Physiotherapists
who are experienced in providing physiotherapy in cerebral palsy are:
