Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Physical therapy for cerebral palsy is a form of physical therapy (PT) that’s specially designed to help your child manage cerebral palsy symptoms. It’s also known as physiotherapy in some places.

Cerebral palsy can affect a child's ability to move and control their muscles. That leads to symptoms like stiffness, trouble controlling their body and spasms.

Physical therapy will help your child strengthen their muscles and increase their flexibility. This improves how their body performs physical movements. A physical therapist will create customized stretches and exercises to help your child feel stronger, safer and more coordinated while they move. They can also help them improve their range of motion and manage muscle pain and stiffness.

Your child’s healthcare provider may be able to recommend a physical therapist. You might also want to search online for therapists. You can ask if a therapist or clinic has a history of managing cerebral palsy.

Physical therapy can’t reverse or cure cerebral palsy. Your child will still need other treatments. But it can help them stay more active and move with more confidence. And feeling better when they move can help them move more often. Some children say it also helps their mental health because they’re able to participate in their favorite activities more often.

What happens during physical therapy for cerebral palsy?

Everyone’s needs are different. Your child's physical therapist will create a custom treatment plan for them.

You’ll meet with a therapist to discuss how cerebral palsy affects your child’s ability to move. Tell them if there are any activities your child has always wanted to do. Or if there’s anything they can’t do because of symptoms. Let them know if there’s a specific kind of movement that’s usually difficult or makes your child feel uncomfortable.

Your child’s cerebral palsy physical therapy plan might include exercises and stretches to help them:

• Increase their muscle strength
• Improve their posture
• Move more comfortably and safely
• Increase their flexibility and manage stiffness

They might use equipment like weights, exercise machines or stretchy rubber resistance bands. PT can sometimes involve working in a pool for swimming or hydrotherapy.

A physical therapist can also help your child learn to use assistive devices like a cane or walker. They’ll show your child the best ways to stand and move using these tools. This will help them avoid putting extra stress on their joints.

Physical therapy isn’t a fitness contest. There are no grades. It’s about helping your child set and achieve realistic goals. But they’ll need some encouragement. PT is hard work. Talk to your child's physical therapist about any concerns. They’ll explain everything your child needs to know and will help them feel confident about what’s happening.

What are the potential benefits and risks of this treatment?

Improving your child’s strength and managing symptoms are the two biggest benefits of cerebral palsy PT.

In some cases, PT can help prevent movement issues from getting worse over time. Remember, it can’t cure cerebral palsy. Your child will need other treatments. But PT can help them feel better.

Increasing their strength will also help them move better and with more confidence. This can increase their self-esteem and sense of independence.

There are very few risks to doing PT. Like with any kind of exercise, there’s a small risk of falls or other physical injuries. But your child’s therapist will help keep them safe.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Your child might feel sore after PT, especially at first. Talk to their therapist if you’re worried about this. They’ll help you and your child recognize the difference between the kind of soreness that’s a positive sign of progress and the kind that means there might be an injury.

Therapists can modify your child’s treatment plan, if needed. Let them know if your child doesn’t feel safe or comfortable.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice changing or worsening cerebral palsy symptoms. They'll help you understand what to expect as your child grows and develops.

Your child's physical therapist or provider may suggest occupational therapy alongside PT. This is similar to PT. But it’s more focused on helping your child safely accomplish tasks in their day-to-day routine.