Physical Therapy For Children With Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy affects two children for every one thousand live births. It is a term used to group children with impaired motor abilities caused by disorders affecting the brain. These disorders are permanent, but not progressive. It is also not contagious. A person suffering from cerebral palsy will experience limitations with movements, causing them to have difficulties with their daily activities. The treatment for cerebral palsy lies more on reducing the effects of impairment in order for them to be able to do self-care independently as much as possible. Others can manage on their own while there are some who really need someone to look after them.
Physical therapy is one of the therapies recommended for children with cerebral palsy since this can help them overcome their difficulties with movement. Children are taught about the functions of their extremities and body so that they will know how to use them. Flexibility is also taught so they learn how to move in accordance with their environment. Activities in this therapy are also aimed in improving the strength and mobility of the children. There are exercises and activities which promote stretching of the muscles since most children with cerebral palsy have tight muscles which make it harder for them to move. Some find it hard to support their body and move steadily so strengthening exercises are also done. Proper positioning is also important especially for those who are not able to control their body.
Physical therapists play a huge role in the development and progress of children with cerebral palsy. If you are taking care of these children, patience is a must. Dealing with them will require more effort and extra care. Some may be irritable especially if they are tired already and others may even find it difficult to have a healthy relationship with their therapists. Recent studies have shown that being kind and tender can help you acquire their trust. You can also use colorful scrubs, like Cherokee Scrubs which are available in different prints and colors, to catch their attention and make them cooperate with you.
Children need to be in constant motion and be allowed to explore by themselves so that they are also given the chance to discover what they can or cannot do. Going after them can be tiring at the end of the day so make sure, as a therapist, that you are able to keep up with them. Wear something comfortable like Landau 8327 Eased Fit Pant so you can do more activities with the children without getting distressed.
These children will be different with each other so avoid comparing them. Some may be easy to handle while others may take some time before they can reach the goals you have planned for them. Show them that you understand and support them in every way. Encourage them to do well with things that they are able to accomplish and acknowledge their efforts to learn and follow after you so that they can feel good about themselves as well.
Physical therapy is one of the therapies recommended for children with cerebral palsy since this can help them overcome their difficulties with movement. Children are taught about the functions of their extremities and body so that they will know how to use them. Flexibility is also taught so they learn how to move in accordance with their environment. Activities in this therapy are also aimed in improving the strength and mobility of the children. There are exercises and activities which promote stretching of the muscles since most children with cerebral palsy have tight muscles which make it harder for them to move. Some find it hard to support their body and move steadily so strengthening exercises are also done. Proper positioning is also important especially for those who are not able to control their body.
Physical therapists play a huge role in the development and progress of children with cerebral palsy. If you are taking care of these children, patience is a must. Dealing with them will require more effort and extra care. Some may be irritable especially if they are tired already and others may even find it difficult to have a healthy relationship with their therapists. Recent studies have shown that being kind and tender can help you acquire their trust. You can also use colorful scrubs, like Cherokee Scrubs which are available in different prints and colors, to catch their attention and make them cooperate with you.
Children need to be in constant motion and be allowed to explore by themselves so that they are also given the chance to discover what they can or cannot do. Going after them can be tiring at the end of the day so make sure, as a therapist, that you are able to keep up with them. Wear something comfortable like Landau 8327 Eased Fit Pant so you can do more activities with the children without getting distressed.
These children will be different with each other so avoid comparing them. Some may be easy to handle while others may take some time before they can reach the goals you have planned for them. Show them that you understand and support them in every way. Encourage them to do well with things that they are able to accomplish and acknowledge their efforts to learn and follow after you so that they can feel good about themselves as well.
