Treatment for cerebral palsy can include strengthening and stretching exercises as part of a therapeutic plan. These exercises can be used by cerebral palsy patients of any age and are best conducted under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Many of these exercises can also be done in the comfort of your own home and require little additional equipment to complete.
History
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture. According to MayoClinic.com, causes include abnormal development of the brain or a traumatic brain injury, most often before birth. Symptoms associated with cerebral palsy commonly appear during infancy or the preschool years. Additional symptoms include functional deficiencies, such as rigidity of the limbs and trunk or impaired movement with associated exaggerated reflexes.
Treatment
According to the National institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, cerebral palsy cannot be cured. However, patients afflicted with this condition can benefit from physical activity and exercise. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, drugs to control seizures and alleviate pain, surgical intervention to correct physical abnormalities, braces and other support devices, and communication aids, such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.
Function
Exercises typically used in physical and occupational therapy for patients with cerebral palsy work to strengthen muscles and increase coordination. Exercises can focus on specific body parts, such as strengthening the arms or core, or on the body as a whole, such as in assisted dancing. The United Cerebral Palsy website recommends completing most exercises with the assistance of a therapist or helper in order to limit the risk of injury.
Benefits
As the UCP website suggests, cerebral palsy patients can benefit greatly from incorporating exercise into treatment. Overall coordination is increased, which can lead to an improvement with everyday activities, such as walking. Muscle strength is also increased, which can allow the patient to partake in more life activities.
Time Frame
Exercise can be used with almost any cerebral palsy patient at any time, regardless of age. Patients in their infancy can also benefit greatly from simple exercises or therapy sessions in order to increase muscle tone during development. Older patients also benefit from continued exercise, although specific treatment options may be adjusted later in a patient's life.
