Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition caused by damage to the brain before or at birth. It is not a disease. The condition affects muscle movement and posture and those who have the condition can have disabilities ranging from a slight impairment to total lack of body control. Activities for people with cerebral palsy include options that can be used as part of an initial physical therapy program or as methods of on-going community participation and muscle therapy.
Yoga
Yoga is beneficial for those with cerebral palsy because it helps to improve mobility, flexibility and muscle tone and ease stress. Many people with cerebral palsy have high muscle tone and holding yoga poses and then having a deep relaxation can help reduce this issue. The poses give muscles and tendons a significant stretch and give resistance to low muscle tone. Yoga is also a good activity to relieve tightness around the joints. The stretches also twist and realign the spine, which creates more room between the vertebrae and relieve pressure, says specialyoga.com.
Water Activities
Swimming or aquatherapy is a recommended activity for those with cerebral palsy because the water can help with muscle tightness. The ideal water temperature for spastic cerebral palsy is between 90 and 93 degrees F. Being in the water swimming, moving or splashing is a method to relieve stress and soothe muscles. When in the water with aquatherapy, some movements that are not possible on land may be easier, and that can help with muscle tone.
Horseback Riding
Hippotherapy, or horseback riding, helps those with cerebral palsy enjoy nature and receive health benefits. Horseback riding as therapy in a specialized environment works on improving balance, posture, movement and muscle strength. In hippotherapy, a trained therapist sits on the horse behind the person with cerebral palsy if there is a need for head support or can walk beside, leading the horse. It is believed the rhythm of the horse’s stride mimics that of human walking and can help to give a person with cerebral palsy the feeling of unhindered walking.
Rhythmic Activities
Any activity that has a rhythmic beat is recommended for those with cerebral palsy. Dancing helps relax the muscles and focus on the music rather than the condition. The movements in dance also help to build muscle tone and cardiovascular health. Dancing and working in a rhythmic pattern also work on posture. Working with a balance board, rolling on a therapy ball or swing is also beneficial.
