Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, or posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth. This condition can significantly impact a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing CP, focusing on muscle training and exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, balance, motor development, and mobility.
Therapy sessions often target improving trunk control, rolling, and grasping abilities. Braces or splints may be recommended to provide additional support and improve functional activities such as walking. These aids help maintain proper alignment and prevent joint deformities, enabling better mobility and independence. By incorporating tailored exercises and supportive devices, physical therapy aims to maximize the potential for movement and overall quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Doctors classify CP based on the main type of movement disorder involved. Depending on the affected brain areas, one or more of the following movement disorders can occur:
Stiff Muscles (Spasticity)
Causes muscle stiffness and difficulty with movement.
Uncontrollable Movements (Dyskinesia)
Leads to involuntary movements.
Poor Balance and Coordination (Ataxia)
Affects balance and coordination.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Some individuals exhibit symptoms of more than one type of CP, with spastic-dyskinetic CP being the most common.
Understanding the types of cerebral palsy and receiving appropriate therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with this condition.
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