Did you know that cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood movement disorder?  

At Kid PT, our physical and occupational therapists work with many children impacted in different ways by cerebral palsy. Sine cerebral palsy can affect people in different ways, and symptoms can range from mild to severe, an individualized treatment plan will make the biggest impact. .

Although CP is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured, therapy can help individuals with CP manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. That’s where physical therapy and occupational therapy can play an important role.  The goal of therapy for CP is to improve mobility, whether it is to crawl, walk, run or use an assistive device, increased range of motion & flexibility to decrease contracture risk and improve muscle activation (tight muscles are harder to contract!), improve breath support for speaking, and improve gross and fine motor skills.    

Many parents have shared that they’re just told to wait and see or just keep doing what they’re doing- whether that is early intervention or school-based therapy.  A frustration I have heard over and over again is that parents aren’t given their options.  The reality is that there are so many different therapeutic approaches and options out there and different children will respond to different ones at different times.  One new resource is called www.turnto.health and is helping support parents researching their treatment options. Overall, therapy is an important part of the treatment and management of CP, and it can help individuals with the condition improve their quality of life and reach their full potential. It is key to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses each child’s unique needs and goals.

Our Kid PT Therapists Share Their Top 5 Therapy Approaches:

TOTAL MOTION RELEASE- Tots & Teens (TMR) & CEREBRAL PALSY

If your child has been in therapy, you have seen them work on things that are hard, difficult and often impossible for them over and over.  

We know your child can do hard things and we want them to learn that too. But what if there was a more EFFECTIVE option??? Another way that will ACCELERATE your child’s progress.

Total Motion Release or TMR for short, is a breakthrough method for children to access new movement abilities by using their strengths and focusing on all that is easier to do. By flipping the old approach of practicing the hard stuff on its head, old limits fall away and new potential is found.  And the best part?  Changes happen within minutes rather than weeks and parents can learn how to do TMR at home and see the changes increase exponentially.

This means that change can continue to happen in between therapy appointments.  Imagine how much more dramatic progress would come if it happened everyday and not just once or twice a week.

If you aren’t familiar with TMR and aren’t sure if it’s the right approach for your child and your family, the changes in your child’s body after just one session will show you the potential.  You don’t need to commit to months and months of trying it out to see if this will work for your child.  The change will happen before your eyes on Day 1!

UNIVERSAL EXERCISE UNIT (AKA SPIDER CAGE) & CEREBRAL PALSY

The universal exercise unit or “Spider Cage” gives children of ALL abilities the opportunity to experience and experiment with movement in all different positions with whatever amount of support is needed. This experience can give your child the experience of all the things they CAN do and CAN control.

The “Spider Cage” is a dynamic movement experience, so it doesn’t compare to standers or gait trainers and allows children to work on all sorts of skills without the fear of falling. It lets them explore and take risks while increasing strength and motor control all at the same time.

Many children with movement delays or disabilities develop a learned helplessness from frequently experiencing things being difficult or impossible. Learned helplessness is when you have learned that you can’t do something, so you stop trying. 

It is an understandable reaction, but one we have to be mindful of when guiding children to practice hard things. The Spider Cage is a fantastic tool for children to experience what they are capable of doing, with just the right support. This can be basic gross motor skills like sitting, standing and walking, or it can be more advanced skills, like hopping and jumping.

There are so many reasons why the Spider Cage is a powerful therapeutic tool to accelerate your child’s progress. If you worry about your child not having all possible opportunities to develop new movement skills, you should try out the Spider Cage to see firsthand what your child can do!

The Spider Cage gives children access to developing new skills and abilities, by supporting them to increase strength, balance, motor control, endurance and sensory processing, all while having sooooo much fun. Remember, fun is really important when it comes to children- if they’re having fun, then they’re LEARNING!

 INTENSIVE THERAPY PROGRAMS & CEREBRAL PALSY

Intensive Therapy Programs are an opportunity for children to get out of their everyday routine and dedicate a period of time to accelerate their progress in order to work towards their personal potential.

The individual intensives are one on one between a child and therapist. Children with CP and related disorders require a lot more practice and sensory feedback to learn new skills than is often possible in a traditional therapy schedule. Summer and school breaks are a perfect time to take this opportunity.  Intensive therapy gives the child the gift of time, giving them the opportunity to work towards their full potential!  

Therapy one or two times per week for short periods can’t compare to the change a child can make with daily therapeutic work.  This means more practice and more support to create and integrate change that children will then take with them for a lifetime.  

For over 2 decades the Kid PT intensive program program has been developed to be effective at improving not only a child’s motor skills, but the quality of their lives moving forward.

Its an opportunity for kids to immerse themselves in all the supports that they need to ACCERLATE their development and to MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL.

Most of the time kids are going week after week to therapy where they have this  little snippet of time to get therapeutic support. The other 23 hours of the day parents are  left trying to figure out how to keep practicing skills at home, in order to  make meaningful progress happen. This all has to happen on top of the struggles of  daily life, from the basics of making meals, bath time, driving from here to there , while at the same time dealing with high sensory needs and regulation difficulty the the child is experiencing day in and day out.

This is the recipe for stress for the child, the parent and the whole family!  Big stress means we need to take powerful action to bring about CHANGE.

Having the time and attention to focus on new skills has the power to make meaningful change for children with cerebral palsy.

SENSORY ENHANCEMENT & CEREBRAL PALSY

While cerebral palsy is often viewed through a lens of movement challenges, it’s essential to recognize the significant impact on the sensory system for children with this condition. At Kid PT, we understand the interconnectedness of sensory and motor skills, and we utilize various tools to enhance sensory experiences, thereby improving movement skills.

In our therapy programs, we employ a range of sensory enhancement approaches, including wearable suits, vibration plates, and swings. These tools offer targeted support to address sensory regulation, postural control, body awareness, and balance—key areas for children with cerebral palsy.

Wearable therapy clothing, such as Theratogs, SPIO, and Benik, can be transformative for children with CP. These garments gently encourage the body to achieve better alignment, posture, and movement patterns, fostering holistic development. By integrating wearable therapy clothing into your child’s daily routine, you’re embracing a comprehensive approach to their well-being and development.

Unlike therapies that require separate sessions, wearable therapy clothing seamlessly integrates into daily activities, providing consistent support without disruption. Whether your child is playing, learning, or socializing, these garments work harmoniously with other therapies and interventions to create a tailored plan that meets their unique needs.

In addition to wearable therapy clothing, various swings offer valuable sensory experiences during play. Swings stimulate the inner ear and vision while allowing children to control their bodies, promoting postural control, motor planning, and sensory organization. Whether it’s a platform swing, bolster swing, or net swing, each provides opportunities for skill development in a fun and engaging way.

Furthermore, we utilize whole-body vibration to enhance balance stabilization, increase arousal and attention, and improve sensory awareness for better motor control. These sensory enhancement techniques, combined with movement strategies, synergistically support children with cerebral palsy on their journey toward improved skills and independence.

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION & CEREBRAL PALSY

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and spinal stimulation have emerged as promising therapeutic modalities in the management of cerebral palsy (CP) in children. NMES involves the application of electrical currents to targeted muscles to elicit contractions, improve muscle strength, and enhance motor function. In children with CP, NMES can be particularly beneficial for addressing muscle weakness and spasticity. By facilitating muscle activation and promoting neuromuscular re-education, NMES contributes to functional gains and enhances mobility, ultimately empowering children to engage more fully in daily activities and improve their overall quality of life.

Spinal stimulation, on the other hand, targets the spinal cord directly, aiming to modulate neural pathways and influence motor output. Through the delivery of electrical impulses to specific regions of the spinal cord, spinal stimulation can regulate muscle tone, reduce spasticity, and promote more coordinated movements in children with CP. This innovative approach holds great promise for improving motor control and functional abilities, offering a non-invasive alternative or complement to traditional therapy interventions. Research in this area continues to evolve, with ongoing investigations exploring the optimal parameters and protocols for spinal stimulation in children with CP.

While both NMES and spinal stimulation show considerable potential in the treatment of cerebral palsy, it’s important to approach their use with careful consideration of individual needs and goals. Collaborative decision-making involving healthcare professionals, therapists, and families is essential to ensure the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of these interventions for each child. With further research and advancements in technology, NMES and spinal stimulation hold the promise of revolutionizing cerebral palsy management, offering new avenues for enhancing motor function and improving outcomes in children with this complex condition.

Case Study: A Journey of Progress at Kid PT

At Kid PT, we had the privilege of working with a young boy named Ethan, diagnosed with cerebral palsy. When Ethan first came to us, his mobility was severely limited, and he faced challenges in performing everyday activities independently. Through a comprehensive therapy approach that included spider cage therapy, sensory enhancement techniques, and intensive therapy sessions, Ethan began to make remarkable progress. With each session, he gained confidence in his abilities, and his parents noticed significant improvements in his mobility and overall well-being. Today, Ethan continues to thrive, defying expectations and embracing new milestones with determination and resilience—a true testament to the transformative power of therapy.

At Kid PT, we’re dedicated to empowering children with cerebral palsy to use their strengths to achieve their personal potential. With our innovative therapies, tailored treatment plans, and unwavering compassion, we’re here to offer the guidance and support necessary for significant breakthroughs and lasting transformations. If you’re eager to learn more about possibilities you’ve have explored before, we warmly invite you to schedule a Discovery Visit with us today.

Together, let’s pave the way for a future brimming with hope, progress, and limitless opportunities.