Having a child or loved one with cerebral palsy can be distressing. You want to do everything possible to help your loved one have a fulfilling life. While there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, relief from symptoms is available. Massage therapy is one treatment that can help provide relief and improve the life of people living with cerebral palsy.
About Cerebral Palsy
Although cerebral palsy may appear to be a muscular disorder, it is actually caused by dysfunction in the areas of the brain that control muscle movement. This brain damage often occurs during development before birth. It also can be caused by an infection or accident during early infancy or childhood. Cerebral palsy is often diagnosed by the age of three.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary from mild to severe. Muscle spasms, difficulty with fine motor movements as well as walking, sitting, standing and laying flat and impaired or no ability to speak are some cerebral palsy symptoms. One saving grace is that symptoms do not worsen or progress with time. The physical limitations caused by the condition can lead to an increase of stress and mood changes such as sadness, depression or anxiety.
Benefits of Massage
A 2004 study conducted by Maria Hernandez-Reif and colleagues, published in "Early Child Development and Care," found massage to provide relief of many cerebral palsy symptoms. Traditional care combined with massage was found to reduce muscle spasms, increase arm movement and hip range-of-motion, improve muscle tone and "scores in cognition, fine and gross motor functioning, dressing and social skills." In addition to physical benefits, massage can help provide stress relief and relaxation. If parents are trained in massage techniques, massage can be a time for improved parent-child interaction and connection.
Recommendations
Choose a skilled and licensed massage therapist who is comfortable working with your child or loved one's limitations. Ensure that a method of communication is established so comfort levels, including pain, can be expressed and understood. Document any changes, both physical and emotional, so improvements can be realized. Encourage your massage therapist and other medical professionals to communicate with each other so care can be a team effort. Follow recommendations of your medical professionals.
References
- "Massage And Bodywork"; Finding the Right Combination: Reiki-ssage, Chiropractic and Cerebral palsy; Carol Englehaupt; December/January 2003
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerebral Palsy Information Page
- "Early Childhood Development and Care": Cerebral palsy symptoms in children decreased following massage therapy; Maria Hernandez-Reif, et al.; July 2005
