Physical therapy (PT) serves as a common treatment option for cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder which affects body movement and muscle coordination. Therapists will work with individuals on developing an appropriate PT program to fit their specific case of cerebral palsy. Physical therapy may involve stretching tight muscles, strengthening muscles to better support the body, and improving body positioning.

Physical Therapy for Children
Physical therapy will likely be started shortly after a child becomes diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Physical therapy for infants focuses on preparing the child for attending school. This may include working on improving balance and sitting independently. As the child grows, the focus of cerebral palsy physical therapy will be geared to enabling the child to live an independent, fulfilling life.

Physical therapy is a demanding form of cerebral palsy treatment, requiring daily effort in order to obtain the best results. In addition to regular sessions of physical therapy, therapists will often give patients exercise routines to do on their own time. Exercising regularly works to prevent muscles that otherwise wouldn’t be used from becoming weak.

Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy
Typically, cerebral palsy treatment involves the collaboration of several treatment methods. One method which is similar to physical therapy includes occupational therapy. Physical therapy and occupational therapy both focus on improving motor skills. Physical therapy works on improving gross motor skills, like walking and sitting, while occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, like cutting paper and tying shoelaces. Other CP treatment options include botox injections to loosen muscles, speech therapy to improve communication skills, and medications to control muscle spasms.

CP treatment works as a lifelong process, as there is no cure for cerebral palsy. Physical therapy, in one form or another, will likely be needed throughout life. This can be a source of financial frustration for the CP population, as health insurances don’t tend to cover continuous PT sessions. However, financial assistance from different programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, can help relieve some monetary burdens caused by CP.

Learn even more about cerebral palsyphysical therapy and programs that provide financial assistance.
 
Photo found on Wikimedia Commons, is from U.S. Navy’s Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Karsten.