Treatment for Cerebral Palsy Reduce Muscle tightness

Cerebralpalsy (CP) is experienced in different ways for each child diagnosed, but muscle issues are generally a common symptom of all children with the disorder. Muscles are often too stiff or move in spastic ways. They can become rigid or move in a way that is uncoordinated. The stiffness, rigidity, and spasms that many children and adults with CP experience are disruptive, uncomfortable, and even painful, or interfere with swallowing and breathing. There are numerous treatments and therapies for spastic cerebral palsy, ranging from therapeutic and supportive treatments to surgical and medical interventions to decrease functional impairments and muscle-stress symptoms. Here are some treatment options for CP.

Physical therapy

The first type of treatment for CP is physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to provide as much independence to the child as possible. This treatment is centered on flexibility exercises and stretching out stiff muscles.Physical therapists will typically use daily range-of-motion (ROM) and stretching exercises to improve mobility of joints and soft tissues. Physical therapists often use age-appropriate toys and games to make the therapy enjoyable for the child. This type of therapy can help improve overall motor function and prevent any future complications.

Occupational Therapy for Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Occupational therapy for children with spastic cerebral palsy should focus on daily life activities, such as feeding, dressing, toileting, grooming, and transfers. Occupational therapy also focuses on the upper body. The goal should be for the child to function as independently as possible with or without the use of adaptive equipment.Children who can follow directions and have spasticity of muscles in the wrist, forearm, or muscles that control the thumb may benefit from intensive therapy. Activity-based interventions such as modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) and bimanual intensive rehabilitation training (IRP) can improve the child’s ability to use the impaired upper limb(s) and improve performance in personal care.  One study found that more benefits were seen from intensive treatment than in standard treatment; in mCIMT, grasp improved, and, in IRP, spontaneous use in bimanual play and activities of daily living in younger children increased.

Speech therapy

Speech therapy is used to improve oral movements in children with spastic CP. The objective of speech therapy is to strengthen the muscles used for speech, which helps with articulation and coordination. Some children with this type of CP may experience drooling or difficulty swallowing or speaking. Performing exercises that incorporate assistive communication devices can help improve motor and cognitive abilities, as well as confidence.Speech therapy provides the tools for children with spastic CP to clearly communicate their thoughts and socialize with others. This form of therapy can also help make chewing, breathing and swallowing less difficult, allowing for normal growth and development.

Recreational Therapy for Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Incorporation of play into a child’s therapy program is very important. The child should view physical and occupational therapy as fun, not work. Caregivers should seek fun and creative ways to stimulate children, especially those who have a decreased ability to explore their own environment.Recreational activities that can help fitness include hippotherapy, sports, cycling, water therapy and special camps created for special needs children.

Medications

Medications, such as Benzodiazepines, are taken orally to relieve muscle stiffness and improve movement throughout the body. There are also medications that can treat muscle stiffness in specific parts of the body, such as the legs or arms.For a child with spastic CP that also experiences seizures, doctors often prescribe medications that can control the frequency of these episodes. Similarly, medications such as diazepam (Valium) can be used to relax muscles.

Medical care of children with spastic cerebral palsy is often seriously hindered by a child’s inability to communicate needs and sensations. Relatively common childhood illnesses such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, and appendicitis, which are easily treatable in most children, may prove to be life-threatening in children with cerebral palsy due to delayed recognition on the part of caregivers and physicians. Each child with cerebral palsy should have a primary care professional that is experienced with the special medical needs of affected children.