Role of Physical therapist in Cereberal Palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy are treated under the care of a specialist team which includes various healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. There is no cure for cerebral palsy but much can be done to limit the degree of disability that may have occurred if treatment had not been given.

Physical therapy as a branch of rehabilitative sciences deals with the cereberal plasy individuals by focusing on  basic mobility, and making them functionally independent as much as possible.

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Physical therapist aims at maximizing functional control of the body , increase gross motor function, preventing contractures and deformities by the rehabilitation of physical impairments by training and strengthening patient’s large muscle groups

The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals:

·         develop coordination

·         build strength

·         improve balance

·         maintain flexibility

·         optimize physical functioning levels

·         maximize independence

After the diagnosis of cereberal palsy by a physician, physical therapist identify the mobility issues, and functional limitations.

The therapist then devise a plan of treatment that will include various techniques such as positioning, exercises, stretchings, mobility training , orthotics and other assistive equipments.Physical therapist also educates the parents and care givers the correct positioning of joints and stretchings of specific muscles The treatment may also employ the use of passive modalities involving hot and cold packs, ultrasound technology or other means in which the child does not take an active role.

Additionally, a physical therapist provides positive reinforcement for a child by focusing on his or her capabilities, not limitations. The therapist will set goals for young patients, and work with them to meet predetermined benchmarks with confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

Therapy aids overall treatment goals such as:

·         Overcoming physical limitations

·         Expanding range of joint motion

·         Building and maintaining muscle tone

·         Increasing recreational capabilities

·         Identifying alternate ways to perform everyday tasks

·         Fostering independence

·         Decreasing the likelihood of contractures, bone deformity

·         Educating children and parents about adaptive equipment

·         Providing sensory stimulation

·         Increasing fitness

·         Increasing flexibility

·         Improving posture

·         Improving gait

·         Minimizing pain and discomfort

Not only the cereberal palsy child but his or her parents/ care givers also benefit from the Physical therapy treatment

Physical therapy empowers the child physically and emotionally, and sets the stage for entering adulthood as an independent individual.

Parents and caregivers benefit because as a patient progresses, raising a child with cerebral palsy becomes less labor intensive. Parents and caregivers are often overwhelmed and under an extreme level of stress. They have several responsibilities, including assisting their child with many physical tasks, providing love and emotional support, making sure the child is receiving adequate care in a medical setting and an education at school. The more physical challenges a child can overcome or adapt to, the less hands-on assistance is required of the parents.

A successful physical therapy program allows a parent to see their child interacting with others in a healthy way, building relationships, using their body to the best of his or her ability, and potentially, living independently.

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