Cerebral Palsy

Many children with cerebral palsy may attend main stream school to focus on gaining academic skills. Alongside this however, it is very important that they continue to learn how to increase their level of physical skills as well.

Cerebral palsy as a neurological condition is non-progressive. However, the children with cerebral palsy face increasing challenges as they grow, develop and move through their lives. Each new skill they learn has to be continuously practiced.

Due to the nature of cerebral palsy older children and adults find it difficult to apply skills from one situation to another. Our charity helps them to develop these key skills so they can enjoy growing up.

As children move towards adolescence this input becomes increasingly important. Due to the nature of cerebral palsy the nervous system does not have such a capacity for adaptation and just as in childhood we have to ‘teach’ the child how to cope and adapt their movement to their growing body.

 

SURGERY – Conductive Education therapy reduces the need for expensive, painful surgery.

 

Muscle development & Neck Control

In our sessions we focus and develop body control, one area – neck control and muscle development reduces ;

Hypoton (back and neck)

Kyphoton (back)

Lordotic (back)

Scoliosis (back)

Tendon, Muscle & Joints

We also can prevent muscle contracture. This is a permanent shortening of a muscle or tendon. Contractures are often seen in the tightest muscles of people with conditions like spastic cerebral palsy. Contractures cannot be stretched or exercised away once they occur; they need orthopedic surgery.

Aims

• Create an inspiring, motivating and positive atmosphere in order that adolescents continue to enjoy learning.
• Increase in level of independence, social and daily living skills.
• Increase confidence in their own abilities.
• Improve bodily control and mobility further, discovering and maintaining symmetrical positions with their emerging body.
• Prevent deformities and contractures, and maintain range of movements and flexibility in joints and ligaments.
• Increase range of movement and maintain previously gained skills.
• Learn techniques to enable active involvement in transferring e.g. in and out of wheelchair; transferring in sitting position.
• Correct and improve walking technique including even weight bearing, the use of ankles when standing and walking.
• Maintain and increase in stamina.
• Learn to adapt their movement to their new, emerging bodies.

Practical advice for carers/family members.