| By :
Wendy Moyer
Some of the biggest struggles that children with cerebral palsy as well as other birth traumas are faced with is that their physical movements are restricted. Things that most people take for granted, such as using the bathroom and walking can be very challenging for them. However, if treatment begins early enough then ongoing physical therapy can ease some of their burdens and give them substantially more mobility. As a "normal" child develops, his or her tendons and muscles grow and stretch in conjunction with the growth of their bones. A condition known as spasticity prevent this from happening to a child with cerebral palsy. Their muscle tissues cannot keep up with their bone growth. Consequently their muscles can become fixed and they may stiffen. If this happens, the child's balance, strength, and mobility will be affected. Through massage, heat/cold applications, exercise, and the use of certain physical devices, physical therapy can help children that have cerebral palsy become more independent and mobile. Children whose spastic muscles are stretched, those whose range of joint motion are maintained by regular physical therapy can learn to stand, sit, and walk with less assistance. In addition, a regimen that includes physical therapy will improve their mobility, increase their muscle growth and strength, prevent their joints from tightening and becoming bent in a fixe position, prevent their muscles from atrophying, and give them a sense of self-esteem, independence, and well being. A specially trained physical therapist (PT) professional can perform this type of therapy in private clinics, schools, or hospitals. Here are some of the things that a physical therapist might do and what they might use to help children who have cerebral palsy: - Physical therapists can increase muscle flexibility and tone by using special exercises that use pillows or orthotic devices. Examples of orthotic devices include splints, braces, knee mobilizers, and casts. These exercises can help keep children in more natural positions. - A new type of therapy is called "constraint-induced movement therapy." Therapists use rewards and/or praise to encourage the children to increase their less-functioning muscles and to increase their bodily movements. - Uncontrolled limb movements can be managed by casts, braces, and splints. These also help to support and strengthen the child's joints. Qualified physical therapists are able to customize a program based on their evaluation of a child's specific challenges. They will also be able to recommend wheelchairs, scooters, and other aids that can help to mobilize your child. Such devices can make it easier for him or her to move around and feel more independent.
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