Physical therapy is a crucial form of cerebral palsy therapy. Once a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a physical therapist is one of the first specialists they are sent to. Treatment begins almost immediately following diagnosis.

Physical therapy for cerebral palsy aims to improve flexibility, strength and mobility. A physical therapist will also help develop equipment to aid the patient, such as braces. Physical therapy is performed in hospitals, special clinics, schools and most importantly at home. The amount of time the patient spends on therapy at home will directly correlate with how successful the therapy is.

A physical therapy regimen may include some of the following elements:

Stretching: Children with cerebral palsy often have increased muscle tone, which means that they get very tight muscles. Stretching will keep the child’s muscles lose and allow for increased mobility.

Strengthening: Strengthening the muscles is a core principal of cerebral palsy therapy. The stronger a cerebral palsy patient’s muscles are, the more stress they are able to handle.

Positioning: Positioning is one of the more complex aspects of cerebral palsy therapy. Positioning is carried out through the utilization of braces, immobilizers, wheelchair pads and various other techniques.

Physical therapy for a cerebral palsy child will change over time. Physical therapists will teach exercises and methods to a child’s parents that may be adapted for different limitations in the future. The involvement of a parent in their child’s physical therapy is very important for the development of the child.

Physical therapy will prevent contraction complications and will improve motor development over time. Physical exercises also keep muscles from becoming weak from lack of use.

Some people may confuse physical therapy with occupational therapy, which is a separate entity all together (although there is some degree of overlap). Occupational therapists will focus more on very fine motor skills, such as movements with the muscles in the hands and face, rather than the larger scale movements a physical therapist may focus on.

Physical therapy is one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation for cerebral palsy. To find a physical therapist near you, visit http://www.ucp.org.

If you need to speak with a cerebral palsy attorney, visit http://www.texasinjuryattorney or fill out a free case evaluation form.