Cerebral Palsy is a group of neurological conditions that affect movement, muscle tone, posture and coordination. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation can help a person work toward better movement, functional ability, participation and independence.
Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture that are attributed to disturbances occurring in the developing fetal or infant brain.
Cerebral Palsy can affect people in different ways. The pattern and severity of movement difficulties depend on the areas of the developing brain affected and the individual's functional abilities.
Movement may be affected by altered muscle tone, weakness, involuntary movements or difficulties with motor control.
Some people may experience difficulties with balance, postural control, coordination and safe mobility.
Daily activities such as walking, transfers, dressing, reaching and playing may require additional support or rehabilitation.
Cerebral Palsy is commonly classified according to the predominant movement pattern. Some people may have mixed features.
Characterised by increased muscle tone and stiffness, which can affect movement and joint control.
May involve involuntary movements that can affect posture, movement control and function.
May involve difficulties with balance, coordination and accurate movement.
Some individuals have characteristics of more than one movement pattern.
The impact of Cerebral Palsy varies considerably. Rehabilitation focuses on the person's individual goals rather than using the same programme for everyone.
A physiotherapy assessment considers movement, posture, muscle tone, strength, balance, mobility, functional abilities and the person's individual goals.
The goal may be to improve walking, transfers, balance, upper-limb function, strength, posture, participation in daily activities or independence. Goals are selected according to the individual's age, abilities, environment and priorities.
Physiotherapy is tailored according to the person's movement pattern, abilities, functional goals and stage of development.
Activities may focus on improving postural control and efficient positioning during functional tasks.
Where appropriate, rehabilitation may address walking, transfers, mobility skills and safe movement.
Exercises can be selected to challenge balance and improve control during functional activities.
Progressive strengthening may be incorporated when appropriate for the individual's abilities and goals.
Practice may focus on meaningful everyday activities such as reaching, transfers and mobility.
Treatment goals are selected around meaningful activities and the person's participation needs.
The exact exercises and activities should be selected after assessment and adjusted according to the person's abilities and response.
Functional walking activities may be used where walking is an appropriate individual goal.
Training may include moving safely between sitting, standing and other functional positions.
Activities may progressively challenge balance and postural control.
Appropriate strengthening can support functional movement and physical capacity.
Cerebral Palsy rehabilitation can involve the person, family and caregivers. Home activities should be individualised and practical.
A professional assessment is important when there are new or worsening movement difficulties, changes in walking, new pain, repeated falls, changes in functional ability, difficulty with transfers, or concerns about equipment, posture or mobility.
Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong neurological condition. Physiotherapy does not cure the underlying brain injury, but appropriate rehabilitation can support movement, function, participation and quality of life.
If you or your child has Cerebral Palsy and you would like guidance regarding mobility, balance, posture, strength or functional rehabilitation, speak with our physiotherapy team.
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