Individuals who suffer from cerebral palsy are born with muscles and tendons that are slightly shorter than normal. The focus of stretching the hip muscles in these individuals is to decrease hip pain and prevent lower back issues. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, stretching can help improve sitting, walking or wheelchair use, as well as prevent the muscles from shortening even further.
Botox
Botox is a drug that is injected into spastic muscles in order to loosen them. Originally developed for use in individuals who suffered from spasticity, it has since become very popular among cosmetic surgeons to help loosen facial muscles. The basis for Botox is the Botulinum toxin, a neuro toxin used in small quantities to temporarily reduce the ability of the nerve innervating the muscle to work. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Botox is especially helpful in children who suffer from cerebral palsy and are younger than 5. It is used in conjunction with prolonged positioning devices in order to reduce the nerve innervation to the muscle, reduce spasticity and improve the potential outcome of muscles stretching.
Prolonged Positioning
According to the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses, individuals with cerebral palsy will benefit from a stretching program to decrease contractures and improve range of motion in the joints. One method is to use a prolonged positioning device in order to keep the muscles stretched over a longer length of time than is afforded by passive or active stretching. Children and adults who have tight hip adductors, muscles that bring the legs inward and cause scissoring, can be stretched using positional devices at night. Physical therapists can design custom-fit bracing or may recommend using positional wedges made from foam that will keep the legs separated in the muscles stretched during the night.
Passive
According to ExRx.net, common muscles which are stretched passively include the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae and sartorius. Each of these muscles help to control either internal or external rotation of the hip joint. Lengthening of these muscles helps individuals with cerebral palsy to maintain appropriate flexion and extension of the hip, and reduce the potential for hip disorders and hip dislocations.
Active
Active stretching is a method of increasing flexibility when the individual assumes a pose, holding it actively and stretching one group of muscles by providing tension through the opposing muscles being stretched. According to the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses, active stretching is used for children with cerebral palsy, and taught so that the child may continue the treatment program at home. Children and adults are taught to initiate and maintain their stretches actively.
