Physical therapy and exercise methods, including hydrotherapy, are often recommended in the treatment and relief of symptoms caused by cerebral palsy, a condition caused by damage, injury or disorders in the parts of the brain that affect how you move. Cerebral palsy is often caused by injury to the brain inside the womb or during birth, as well as brain infections or damage in babies or toddlers. Cerebral palsy may affect your ability to walk, and a lack of muscle coordination and balance are common with the condition.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is considered an effective method for the relief and treatment of multiple conditions, including wound care, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation and swelling and boosting immune system function. Hydrotherapy comes in many forms, including warm or cool water, steam, vapor or ice. Some forms of hydrotherapy direct firm streams of water toward areas of the body damaged by injury or disease to relieve pain and invigorate the area with gentle massaging pressure that helps loosen muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Body Resistance
When engaged in hydrotherapy, you'll most likely be placed in a large tub filled with warm water or a heated swimming pool. In a tub, water jets can be aimed to provide exterior massage to specific areas of the body. You may be directed to perform movements under water, which provides gentle and joint-safe resistance to exercises. For example, holding onto the side of the pool, you may be asked to walk in water, lifting your knees high toward your waist or chest.
Range of Motion
Performed in a tub or pool, active or passive range of motion exercises helps maintain joint flexibility, rotation and range of movement at the joint. Warm water helps loosen joint tissues while the physical therapist may direct you to perform hand, elbow or shoulder movements in the water, or do them for you in a passive form of range of motion therapy. For example, the Bad Ragaz Ring method of hydrotherapy, developed by the Bad Ragaz thermal spa in Switzerland, incorporates movements that promote endurance and elongation of muscle tissues and fibers, as well as tonal reduction and relaxation of muscles and joints for symptomatic relief of tight, stiff or spastic muscles.
Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais method of hydrotherapy exercise promotes flexibility and coordination of moment. Using gentle resistance provided by water, cerebral palsy patients are directed in creating and maintaining smooth movements with their limbs to develop more efficient use of their muscles and movements. For example, you may be asked to bend your knees or elbows, working through mild discomfort in order to grow more aware of body ergonomics and placement, and to focus on relaxing the body in a number of sitting, standing and walking positions.
Water Pilates
Water Pilates is a popular hydrotherapy form of aquatic exercise that promotes core toning, coordination and alignment of the muscular system with the skeletal form. Exercises performed with the resistance against one's own body weight promote a stronger abdominal core, greater spine alignment, support, flexibility and muscle toning without stress or impact on the joints.
References
- American Cancer Society: Hydrotherapy
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: NINDS Cerebral Palsy Information Page
- The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability: Aquatic Therapy
- Feldenkrais.com: The Feldenkrais Method for Children with Cerebral Palsy
- Natural Therapy Pages: Water Pilates
