Are you looking for ways to help your child walk or even run more confidently, improve their balance, or become more independent at home, school, or in the community? Physiotherapy is a key part of managing cerebral palsy and can help children develop the movement skills, strength, and confidence they need to reach their full potential.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is something that people are born with or develop when they are incredibly young. It is a life-long condition that influences how the brain talks to the muscles. There are different types of CP, and the level of severity and combination of symptoms can differ for each person. Individuals can experience muscle stiffness, weakness, tightness, tremors, or movements that are difficult to control. Cerebral palsy can also affect different parts of the body. Some individuals may experience difficulties affecting both arms and legs, as well as the trunk, face, and mouth. Others may be affected on only one side of the body, typically involving one arm and one leg, while some individuals experience symptoms primarily in both legs.
How Can Physiotherapy Support Children with Cerebral Palsy?
Early intervention is important and should start as early as possible to be more effective in improving motor function, strength, and mobility. Our goal is to improve your child’s function and to be more independent, whether that’s at home, school, or in the community. We strive to minimise the effects of their physical impairments and improve their quality of life. Sessions are goal or task-oriented, focusing on the needs and interests of your child. We will work closely with you and your child to create clear, achievable goals and break them into manageable steps, celebrating progress along the way.
Common Challenges We Help With:
- Delayed motor development
- Walking with or without assistive devices
- Balance problems
- Frequent falls
- Muscle stiffness and spasticity
- Weakness
- Reduced endurance
- Pain
- Difficulty with transfers
- Postural issues
- Participation in sport and recreation
- Running if that is available for your child
- Equipment
Assessment for cerebral palsy:
At Bodyfit Physio, we complete a comprehensive and systematic assessment to help guide our treatment plan. We want to gain a full understanding of your child’s needs, including any relevant medical, surgical, and developmental history.
Children with cerebral palsy can be at risk of progressive hip displacement, so hip screening forms an important part of our input.
During the initial assessment, we evaluate a range of factors that influence your child’s movement and function, including:
- Muscle strength
- Muscle tone
- Joint range of motion
- Balance and postural control
- Walking pattern (gait)
- Gross motor skills and functional mobility
We also assess your child’s posture and positioning. A range of equipment can be used to help children with cerebral palsy maintain a stable and symmetrical posture when lying, sitting, or standing. Many children require external postural support in different positions to enhance participation and help prevent secondary complications.
We can assess these needs and provide guidance on appropriate equipment and positioning to support your child’s function and participation in everyday activities.
Every child’s journey is different, and we’re looking forward to getting to know yours and understanding what matters most to them and supporting them as they become more independent.