People with cerebral palsy are at risk of having muscle tightness that limits the motion of their joints. This lack of flexibility can lead to pain, plus a loss of balance and mobility. Therapy and exercises for cerebral palsy patients should be designed to increase mobility and strength and therefore eliminate the pain and problems.
Stretching
Stretching exercises can help lengthen, loosen and strengthen tight or weak muscles that are caused by cerebral palsy. It is extremely important to perform daily stretches, to keep muscles loose and limber. United Cerebral Palsy recommends focusing stretching work on muscles that are causing problems with mobility in daily activities. Stretch the muscles slowly to the point of tension but not pain. Hold each stretch for 10 to 60 seconds and repeat two to three times each.
Yoga
Yoga movements ease stress and improve mobility, flexibility and muscle tone. Yoga moves require an individual to sustain longer stretching periods and work muscles differently from standard stretching. Yoga forces the entire body to work via strength and flexibility to get itself into difficult poses and stretched positions. In addition, yoga is slow moving, which lessens any problems cerebral palsy patients could have with balance and coordination.
Aquatic Exercise
Aquatic-based rehabilitation and therapy for cerebral palsy can be effective. The water not only provides resistance, but it can also assist cerebral palsy patients to fully extend their muscles when they are unable to do so outside of the water. In addition, exercising in the water will not aggravate any joint or muscle pain, as water allows you to exercise without putting stress on the joints or muscles. Aquatic exercise programs can range from light water walking and hand raises to full strength training with weights underwater.
Strength Training
Lifting weights or strength training can help improve flexibility. Strength training should focus on full body compound exercises that work muscles through an entire range of motion. Resistance exercises that work joints through a full range of motion will increase flexibility. Training should focus on exercises like squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, push-ups and press exercises that work a variety of muscles to support your weight. These moves not only force you to get stronger, but you also improve your balance and flexibility as you support your weight during the lifts.
