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Firstly, let's understand what Cerebral Palsy actually is.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
The term 'cerebral' relates to the brain. The term 'palsy' relates to paralysis or weakness. So Cerebral Palsy describes movement disorders related to the brain. Cerebral Palsy is a permanent neurological disorder which occurs when a person's brain is unable to exercise normal control over coordination and muscle movement. Cerebral Palsy (or CP) is a group of non-progressive conditions of abnormal brain development or brain injury, which can occur before, during or after birth. Impairments can range from mild to severe and may lead to movement, balance, postural and other impairments.
This abnormal brain development or brain injury may occur during fetal gestation (pregnancy), childbirth, or early infancy. Once brain cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, so brain injury during these early developmental stages causes permanent disability. Although Cerebral Palsy can be caused by other developmental abnormalities, it is not generally considered an inherited condition. Rather, Cerebral Palsy is often considered a 'birth injury' because it can result from injury to a fetus or baby during gestation or labor and delivery.
Did You Know That There Are Four Types of Cerebral Palsy?
There are four main types of CP:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy and
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Cerebral Palsy: is the most common and accounts for approximately 80% of all Cerebral Palsy cases. This condition is associated with 'spasticity,' which is tightness or stiffness related to muscles and or movement and may involve one or multiple limbs (refer to the image below):
Spastic Hemiplegia: affects both limbs (ie: an arm and a leg) on one side of the body
Spastic Diplegia: symmetrically affects both arms or both legs
Spastic Quadriplegia: affects all four limbs
Spastic Monoplegia: affects one limb (one arm or one leg).
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: is characterised by three types of variable involuntary movements, which are categorised as:
Dystonic: twisting
Athetoid: slow writhing and
Chorea: sudden, sudden, jerky, dance-like movements.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: is the least common type and it characterised by impaired coordination of movement, balance and depth perception.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy: is any combination of more than one of the above types of Cerebral Palsy.
What Are The Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
All people with Cerebral Palsy have movement and postural disorders which may include
spasticity and increased muscle tone
hypotonia (low muscle tone)
developmental delay
poor coordination
balance impairment, including falls
impaired fine and gross motor control for activities such as: walking and running sitting and standing; reaching and grasping; throwing and catching
notable differences in movements between sides
oral motor impairments affecting activities like speech and swallowing.
Other symptoms may include:
intellectual disability
visual, hearing, and/or speech impairment
seizures
scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
contractures (decreased joint movement)
pain
sleep issues
continence issues and other conditions.
Treatment for Cerebral Palsy
Unfortunately there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, so interventions are used to improve functional capacity and to manage symptoms such as pain and muscle tone and to improve quality of life.
Medications may also be used to manage pain and muscle tone, such as Botox, which is often used to reduce muscle tone and improve movement. Physiotherapy prior to and after the use of Botox is important for enhancing improved movement and function.
An interdisciplinary team approach is important for the effective care of children with Cerebral Palsy, which may include allied health professionals such as Neuro-Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Dieticians and Continence Advisors, etc.
How Can a Neurological Physiotherapist Help with Cerebral Palsy?
Neurophysiotherapy is physiotherapy performed by Neurological Physiotherapists who are specially trained to diagnose and treat children with movement and function disorders that have originated from problems within the body's nervous and neuromuscular system. These disorders affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Please read our parent company (Body Agility)'s blog titled 'What is Neurological physiotherapy? What is Neuro Physio?' if you would like to learn more.
A Neurological Physiotherapist is a specially trained Physiotherapist who has a high level of understanding of Cerebral Palsy. A Neuro Physio will work with your child, your family and your support workers to help you with:
improved movement and motor control
balance and mobility training to reduce falls risk
research, assess and prescribe appropriate Assistive Technology and equipment to improve mobility
assessments, advice, and techniques to improve transfers including with and without the use of Assistive Technology or assistance from other people
posture management
pain management and techniques to support pain relief
exercises and stretches to maintain and improve posture, range of movement and functional capability
communicate with your family and carers about the support that you need
educate your family and carers about Cerebral Palsy.
A Neurophysiotherapist can help your child achieve their goals with a tailored Physiotherapy Treatment Plan specifically relevant to their specific needs. A Neuro Physio is experienced in working with Neurological disabilities and knows how to help you and your child manage their condition as effectively as possible.
A Neurophysiotherapist will take a tailored approach that best addresses the impairments or issues that are personally experienced with Cerebral Palsy. A Neurophysiotherapist is trained to understand and help manage the way Cerebral Palsy may be impacting your child's daily life.
A Neurophysiotherapist can work alongside your child and your family and other healthcare providers to assist with targeted exercises for a specific limb or a broader muscle group and it can be delivered at your home, a gym, school, daycare facility or swimming pool, or somewhere else in the community depending on your child's / your family's needs.
Personalised Treatment Aligned to Achieving Your Goals
If your child has Cerebral Palsy and you are considering getting physiotherapy, it is vitally important to ensure that you engage a Neurological Physiotherapist to support effective treatment. A good Neuro Physio will take the time to understand your child's and your family's goalsand integrate this into a personalised physiotherapy Treatment Plan.
Family Agility Can Help You, Your Child & Your Family
At Family Agility, we always take a neurodiversity-affirmative approach to your child's therapy and we include Family Goals in everything that we do. Our specially trained Occupational Therapists are highly qualified and experienced in assisting children, young people and families with physical, sensory, cognitive or behavioural issues through play therapy.
Family Agility, under it's parent company, Body Agility Pty Ltd, are nationally registered NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) providers of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, play therapy, speech therapy, exercise physiology and therapy assistance. Experience the Family Agility difference and experience exceptional care and customer service. We take the time to understand your child's NDIS Goals - along with your family goals, so that the whole family benefits from our supports.
What are YOUR family's goals? We can help. Contact us now, we have capacity to provide services to you immediately, right across the broader Perth region with home visits, or at one of our clinics / gyms / any hydropool - or via video consultation (telehealth). We'd be delighted to hear from you.
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