A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2010 indicated that one in every 303 children suffers from cerebral palsy. CP is a disorder that impairs a person's motor skills, making those affected appear awkward in the mildest cases, and at its worst robbing them of the ability to function independently. There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are forms of therapy that can improve a patient's quality of life.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term given to neurological disorders that affect the muscles and body movement. It most commonly appears during infancy, before the age of 3. Cerebral palsy is caused by irregularities in the muscle-controlling areas of the brain. These anomalies could be caused by a trauma to the brain early in life, such as from a disease or head injury. Patients of CP suffer from a profound lack of muscle coordination, although the disorder does not get worse over time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy attempts to improve a patient's motor skills through external methods, such as exercise or massage. The results can vary; some treatments can be more productive for one patient than another. The degree of therapy will also be different depending on the severity of the disorder. The main goal of physiotherapy is to help the patient gain better control of his large muscles in the arms and legs.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a form of physiotherapy that focuses on the smaller muscles that come into play in everyday life. Through occupational therapy, children with mild forms of cerebral palsy can improve school skills, such as writing, or play skills, such as catching and throwing. Those with more advanced cases of CP can improve their everyday skills, such as dressing or eating. Improvements in these areas aid a patient's self-esteem and confidence.
Hydrotherapy
Another form of physiotherapy is hydrotherapy, in which patients do exercises in water. The main benefit of working in water is that the body becomes buoyant, taking pressure off the muscles and joints. Patients can build up strength or work in improving balance and coordination without fear of injury from a fall. Patients with cerebral palsy can do cardiovascular exercises in a pool that they would not be able to perform in a dry setting.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be used in conjunction with other forms of physiotherapy. Massage helps to relieve muscle tension and can help alleviate damaged tissue. Research into the benefits of massage therapy for cerebral palsy patients has shown that the treatment helps lessen patients stiffness and help to improve their motor skills. It is important to note that massage therapy is not a treatment on its own, but works in harmony with other forms of physiotherapy.
