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Role of physiotherapy in cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. Physiotherapy is beneficial to cerebral palsy patient, treating conditions like muscle tightness, limitation of range of motion and sensory impairment. The aim of physiotherapy is to make the patient independents as much as possible in their day to day activities. Physiotherapy goals and activities are customized for each child.


The babies with cerebral palsy are delayed in achieving their developmental milestones. It is a main issue with becoming growth of the child. In physiotherapy, they are facilitated to achieve their motor milestones. Therefore, they can become independent as much as possible. It is the most valuable opportunity in taking physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy.



Role of physiotherapy comprises 3 main steps

Step 1: Assessment

The patient assessment helps the therapist to grade the severity of the condition and make the individual goals. It helpful to decide the treatment plan is effective or not for the patient and the level of improvement of the patient.

Step 2: Planning of treatment regime and executing it every single day.

Plan of the treatment totally depend on treatment goals. It comprises of exercise regime and training adaptive devises.

Step 3: Educate and guide the patient and family members.


The Goals of Physical Therapy

  • Increase strength and conditioning

Muscle weakness is a common disorder in children with CP (cerebral palsy). Muscle strength helps to increase flexibility, posture, and balance in CP.


  • Enhance endurance

Endurance is the ability to perform large muscle, whole body exercise at moderate to high intensities for extended periods of time. These children tend to be less physically active and have worse cardiopulmonary endurance. Regularly participate in moderate to high intensity activities would enhance endurance.

  • Increase range of motion

Increase the extend of movement of the joints.


  • Promote coordination

Coordination mean ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently. Improve coordination by sending message to the brain through repeated movements.


  • Facilitate greater mobility with or without mobility devices

Most children with cerebral palsy face mobility limitations. Assistive devices such as orthopedic devices, walkers, crutches, wheelchair etc greater improve a child’s quality of life.


  • Reduce swelling and inflammation

  • Prevent contracture

  • Manage pain

  • Reduce the likelihood of complications

  • Increase participation in self-care

  • Ease muscle spasms

  • Educate parents and family members

Benefits of Physiotherapy

Help to achieve child developmental milestones


Diagnose, manage and treat movement problems associated with cerebral palsy.

Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can become more apparent over time, evaluate child's signs and symptoms, monitor growth and development, review the medical history and conduct a physical exam. Physiotherapy is given to the patient according to assessment findings.


Use exercises and activities to enhance physical and functional skills.

Exercises are given to this child as a small game according to their age and cognitive level, With the support of family members.


Help prevent complications, deformities, and disabilities.

Promote well-being, fitness, and overall health.

Facilitate quality of life improvements.



Rashmi Shehara

Fathima Niloofa

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