What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can affect both adults and children and is characterised by impaired muscle control and movement, often resulting from brain damage occurring before or during birth, infancy, or early childhood.
Common signs & symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy can present itself with common signs and symptoms dependant on when and where the damage occurred.
For example, if a child was born prematurely, it is likely that they will have sensory processing issues and visual disturbances. The infant may have been diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), cortico visual impairment (CVI), they may have also suffered an intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH). Another symptom could be irritability as children/adults with Cerebral Palsy struggle to settle and become irritable unless they are with certain people.
Other common diagnoses associated with cerebral palsy include hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), contracted a virus (meningitis, cytomegalovirus or other infection). They may have been diagnosed with jaundice or a traumatic brain injury. There are many reasons why a child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
How does Cerebral Palsy affect the body?
Cerebral Palsy affects the body primarily by causing impaired muscle control and coordination due to damage or abnormalities in the developing brain. The specific effects can vary widely from person to person, but some common ways it impacts the body include:
Motor Impairments: Individuals with Cerebral Palsy may experience difficulties with muscle tone, balance, and coordination. This can lead to muscle stiffness (spasticity), involuntary movements (dyskinesia), or weak muscles (hypotonia). These motor impairments can affect mobility and fine motor skills.
Mobility Challenges: Many people with Cerebral Palsy may have difficulty walking independently and may require mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or braces. Some may be able to walk with assistance or specialised equipment.
Speech and Communication: Cerebral Palsy can affect the muscles used for speech and communication. Some individuals may have difficulty articulating words or may rely on alternative communication methods such as sign language or communication devices.
Fine Motor Skills: Tasks that require precise hand and finger movements, such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils, can be challenging for those with Cerebral Palsy due to impaired fine motor skills.
Sensory and Perception Issues: Some individuals with Cerebral Palsy may experience sensory processing difficulties, which can affect how they perceive and respond to sensory stimuli such as touch, sound, or light.
Co-occurring Conditions: Cerebral Palsy can be associated with other health issues, including intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, vision or hearing impairments, and behavioral or emotional challenges.
Musculoskeletal Problems: Over time, the abnormal muscle tone and posture associated with Cerebral Palsy can lead to musculoskeletal problems, such as joint contractures, scoliosis, and hip dislocations.
Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living: Tasks like dressing, bathing, and eating may require assistance or adaptive equipment for individuals with severe Cerebral Palsy.
How can we help?
Our collective knowledge and skills in treatment concepts such as Bobath and MAES therapy means that our team has a wealth of experience in the assessment and treatment of cerebral palsy from birth to adulthood.
We work to identify the key skills that the child and/or adult is missing in terms of their overall development/ presentation and try to develop so that in time movement patterns become more refined.
We aim to take the pressure out of treatment sessions so that clients can experiment with movement with the aim of developing a wider repertoire and quality of movement.
Whilst we acknowledge the presence of abnormal muscle tone, dyskinesia, loss of balance, co-ordination, ataxia, pain, stiffness within muscles and joint range of movement our primary focus is skill development for the long-term future.
We have a good product knowledge of the aids, equipment and orthotics which clients may need to maximise their potential. Equipment needs may include standing frames, walkers, trikes, sleep systems and various other transfer aids.
We can work alongside consultants and NHS staff should clients require neurological and/or orthopaedic surgery due to the secondary complications of cerebral palsy such as limb lengthening surgery, selective dorsal rhizotomy, multi-level surgery including femoral de-rotation osteotomies, hamstring and calf lengthening. We can help prepare clients for surgery, support and provide bespoke, progressive post-surgical treatment plans.
Benefits of physiotherapy on Cerebral Palsy
There are lots of benefits to using physiotherapy to treat Cerebral Palsy. Some of the key advantages include:
- Improved mobility
- Enhanced communication
- Pain management
- Improved social interaction
- Prevention of complications
- Family/Care giver support
We understand that the prospect of treatment can be daunting. To help make your experience as comfortable and as stress-free as possible, our team of therapists will work with you to create a bespoke therapy plan. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Call 01282 222720 or email info@letsgophysio.co.uk.
Get in touch with a member of our friendly team
Office 3
Northlight Estate
Northlight Parade
Nelson
BB9 5EG
Make an enquiry
Our accreditations
