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Home » Consumer Information » Medical Malpractice » Birth Injury » Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Therapy

Children suffering from cerebral palsy often attend a variety of therapeutic sessions to brush up on the motor skills necessary for walking, speaking, and hand motions. Some kids receive therapy at school if the service is offered, while others may visit a clinic to see their therapists. Therapists are specialized teachers who have been trained to coach people with disabilities and help them improve upon various aspects of their daily lives. Therapy may last for years, with the goal of gradual progression until it is no longer required because peak performance has been reached.

Physical therapy

Children with cerebral palsy attend physical therapy to develop skills for bettering agility and balance. Depending on the degree of disability, a child may be taught to walk, use a wheelchair, stand up, or go up and down stairs. Physical therapy may also be a place to concentrate on "fun" skills such as running, throwing or kicking a ball, and riding a bike. Physical therapy is often abbreviated as PT.

Speech and language therapy

Children attend speech classes to work on communicating effectively. A therapist may focus on skills such as talking, sign language, or using a communication device. A child with cerebral palsy who is able to talk may address the need to enunciate, build upon their existing vocabulary, put sentences together, or learn to listen better. Children who cannot talk because they do not have the ability to control their facial and vocal muscles may learn sign language or how to use a technological aid that serves a comparable purpose. A communication aid could be as basic as a book or index cards containing pictures of items that a person wants. Another popular communication aid could be an alphabet board that allows someone to piece their message together letter by letter. This day in age, there are also touchscreen computers that will vocalize whatever the child points to.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy teaches a child suffering from cerebral palsy how to make better use of their arms, hand, and upper body to accomplish common tasks. The therapist may show a child improved techniques to write, draw, use scissors, brush teeth, dress, eat, or maneuver their wheelchair. An occupational therapist may also pair special equipment up with the patient to improve the overall quality of their everyday lives.

Recreational therapy

Children with cerebral palsy go to recreational therapy to enjoy themselves. It is a place where they can participate in athletics or other leisure activities such as dancing, swimming, or horseback riding. They may also take part in arts and crafts, gardening, or any other hobby of interest.

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