Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Cerebral Palsy: Early Intervention Changes Outcomes
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders caused by brain injury occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. It is the most common physical disability in children, affecting approximately 2–3 per 1,000 live births. While CP is non-progressive (the brain injury does not worsen), the musculoskeletal consequences — contractures, bony deformities, scoliosis — progress without appropriate management.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic CP (most common — 70–80%): Increased muscle tone causing stiffness. Affects one side (hemiplegia), both legs (diplegia), or all four limbs (quadriplegia). Dyskinetic CP: Involuntary, uncontrolled movements. Ataxic CP: Balance and coordination problems. Mixed CP: Features of more than one type.
Physiotherapy Goals Across the Lifespan
Infants and Toddlers (0–3 years)
Early intervention exploits maximum neuroplasticity. Goals: facilitate normal movement patterns, prevent abnormal compensations, achieve motor milestones (rolling, sitting, standing, walking where possible), parent education and home programme.
School-Age Children (3–18 years)
Focus on: maintaining and improving walking ability (where present), preventing contractures (stretching, splinting, serial casting), strength training, participation in school and recreational activities.
Adults
Maintaining mobility and function as the body ages with CP (early fatigue, increasing spasticity, joint pain). Falls prevention. Maintaining independence in daily activities.
Evidence-Based Approaches
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for hemiplegia. Treadmill training and robotic-assisted gait training for walking improvement. Strength training — traditionally avoided, now strongly evidence-supported. Goal-directed training focusing on activities meaningful to the child.
CP Physiotherapy in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we provide specialised paediatric and adult CP physiotherapy. Book your consultation today.