8 Ways Physiotherapy Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects body movement, muscle coordination, and balance. The condition, generally present from early childhood, can significantly impact the quality of life for children diagnosed with it. 

In many cases, physiotherapy can benefit children with cerebral palsy by helping them improve their physical abilities and overall well-being. This article will outline five key ways physiotherapy can help children with cerebral palsy.

#1. Improvement in Gross Motor Function

One of the primary benefits of physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy is the enhancement of gross motor function. Gross motor skills involve the larger muscles responsible for walking, running, sitting, and maintaining balance.

Our Physiotherapists in Calgary often use the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) to assess a child's ability in areas like lying down, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Through targeted exercises and activities, physiotherapy can improve these skills, providing a greater level of independence for the child. The therapist may introduce tools such as balls, balance beams, trampolines, and other props to encourage the child's participation and make the process fun and engaging.

#2. Enhanced Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills, which involve smaller muscle groups and enable actions like grasping, writing, and buttoning, can also be developed with the help of physiotherapy. These skills are crucial for performing everyday tasks and fostering independence.

Occupational therapy often complements physiotherapy in this respect. Using a variety of manipulative activities, therapists work on improving a child's hand-eye coordination, grasp strength, precision, and overall agility. This combination of therapies ensures a holistic approach to developing motor skills in children with cerebral palsy.

#3. Better Mobility and Flexibility

Cerebral palsy often causes muscle stiffness or spasticity, limiting a child's mobility and flexibility. Physiotherapy employs various strategies, like stretching exercises and mobility aids, to address these issues.

Stretches are typically targeted at the child's spastic muscles to improve flexibility and range of motion. The physiotherapist may also use mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, or orthotics to provide additional support and improve the child's mobility. Over time, these activities and interventions can contribute to a reduction in muscle spasticity and an enhancement of the child's movement and flexibility.

#4. Improved Posture and Balance

Children with cerebral palsy often struggle with maintaining balance and proper posture due to muscle imbalances and coordination difficulties. Through physiotherapy, children can work on these aspects.

Therapists often use balance exercises, core strengthening activities, and aquatic therapy to help children improve their balance. In terms of posture, physiotherapists will help the child understand the correct alignment of their body and how to maintain it during various activities. This enhances their overall posture and reduces the risk of associated pains and injuries.

#5. Better Quality of Life and Confidence

Finally, physiotherapy can significantly improve children's overall quality of life and confidence with cerebral palsy. As children experience improved motor skills, mobility, and independence, they often exhibit increased self-confidence and a more positive outlook.

Physiotherapy encourages social interaction, as many activities can be performed in group settings. This social aspect can help children feel more integrated and accepted, positively affecting their psychological well-being.

#6. Improved Breathing and Respiratory Function

Many children with cerebral palsy experience difficulties with their respiratory function due to weakened or poorly coordinated muscles in the chest and abdomen. Physiotherapists can provide specific exercises to strengthen these muscles and improve the child's breathing technique. By focusing on respiratory physiotherapy, children can see improved lung function, overall stamina, and speech, which is closely linked to breath control.

#7. Facilitation of Early Developmental Milestones

For younger children with cerebral palsy, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in helping them achieve early developmental milestones. Physiotherapists can guide parents and caregivers in facilitating movements that encourage rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking. They can also provide education on the therapeutic play, encouraging developmental skills through play activities. This support can significantly impact a child's early years.

#8. Better Sleep Patterns

Sleep disturbances are common in children with cerebral palsy, with the main contributors being discomfort, pain, and difficulty turning or repositioning in bed. Through physiotherapy, children can learn exercises to reduce discomfort and techniques for better positioning and turning in bed. Improved sleep leads to better overall health and well-being and can positively impact other areas of therapy and recovery.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, physiotherapy offers a multi-faceted approach to managing and treating cerebral palsy in children. It provides strategies to deal with physical aspects of the condition, such as motor function, mobility, posture, and pain, but also addresses respiratory issues, sleep disturbances, and early developmental milestones. 

Physiotherapy can be a potent tool in helping children with cerebral palsy lead more fulfilling lives. It addresses various physical challenges associated with the condition, helping children gain. As a holistic method, physiotherapy can significantly enhance the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy, helping them achieve their full potential.