Stats
- Cerebral Palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood
- 34,000 people are living with CP in Australia
- 17 million people are living with CP worldwide
- 1 in 700 Australian babies are diagnosed with CP
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a movement disorder which appears in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time, but include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. There may be problems with sensation, vision, hearing, and speaking.
Cerebral Palsy is permanent and life long, neurological symptoms can impact function throughout the life span, but the underlying problems do not worsen over time. People living with CP require varying levels of support over time.
Physiotherapy & Cerebral Palsy
Physiotherapy is a powerful ally in enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with CP, regardless of what stage of life you are experiencing.
Traditionally, intensive physiotherapy is a part of childhood for early intervention following CP diagnosis.
Physiotherapy continues to be relevant in adulthood; it can assist people living with CP in many different areas depending on goals and life moments.
Let’s look into some areas where physiotherapy plays a role in managing CP symptoms:
Improved Mobility
One of the primary goals of physiotherapy in CP is to enhance mobility. Individually tailored exercises and stretching routines help promote joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and improve the body’s ability to move more freely.
Muscle Strength and Endurance
Physiotherapy interventions focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, addressing weakness commonly associated with CP. By incorporating targeted exercises, physiotherapy helps build endurance, contributing to enhanced functional independence.
Balance and Coordination
Individuals with CP often face challenges in maintaining balance and coordination. Physiotherapists expertly employ exercises and use clinical exercise equipment to target these areas, aiding in the development of better postural control and stability.
Adaptive Equipment and Techniques
Physiotherapy involves education on adaptive equipment and techniques suited to the individual’s needs. This allows those with CP to navigate their environment more effectively, promoting independence in daily activities.
Pain Management
CP can sometimes be accompanied by pain due to muscle imbalances and joint stress. Physiotherapy interventions aid in pain management and include therapeutic exercises and manual therapy to alleviate discomfort and enhance overall well-being.
Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological physiotherapy plays a key role in the management of cerebral palsy (CP) by combining various therapeutic interventions for functional retraining and outcomes. It offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to address unique challenges.
A recent review of interventions for cerebral palsy by Sharma et al. 2023 is summarised in the points below:
- Intensive activity-based, goal-directed interventions are more effective
- The ability of manual stretching to increase range of motion and reduce spasticity is limited
- There is positive support for the use of constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) to improve the upper-extremity functioning
- Gait speed can be improved most effectively by gait training
- Neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) has low-quality evidence
- Electrical stimulation is associated with fewer functional gains
Reference:
Sharma, P. Gupta, M. Kalrais, R. Recent advancements in interventions for cerebral palsy – A review (2023). Journal of Neurorestoratology 11.