Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition. However, you can still help your child develop the skills they need to navigate their world. Occupational therapy can not only help optimize mobility, but can also maximize learning potential and provide a greater quality of life. Now, we’re taking a closer look at how therapy can make a difference when it comes to this condition.
What is Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a permanent, non-life-threatening condition that is considered to be a neurological disorder. This disorder is caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs when a child’s brain is developing. The condition itself largely impacts body movement and muscle coordination, which means that therapy can help a child learn to cope with the disorder.
It was once thought that cerebral palsy was caused by complications during the birthing process. However, it’s now known that birthing complications only account for a very small percentage of cases. The majority of cases instead arise from abnormal brain development or brain injury prior to birth.
Therapy for Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is unique to each individual, which means that therapies need to be designed for the individual person. However, occupational therapy can greatly help. Occupational therapy, in particular, is designed to help children acquire or reacquire skills needed to perform the activities of daily life. This can be particularly important when it comes to children with cerebral palsy, who may have trouble with fine motor skills and other physical activities.
The goal for those with cerebral palsy is to optimize mobility, manage primary conditions, control pain, enhance social and peer interactions, and prevent and manage complications and associative conditions. Doing so can help someone with the conditions to live a fuller and happier life.
Occupational Therapy for Children
You should always consult your pediatrician to see what therapy is required for your child. If they recommend occupational therapy, though, Cheshire Fitness Zone can help. Our therapists help children develop the necessary skills for the job of living through play, and create “just the right challenge” by following the child’s lead to achieve an adaptive response.
For more information about our therapies, don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with us or set up an appointment.
