Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects movement, posture, balance and muscle control. It is caused by an injury or difference in the development of the brain during pregnancy, around birth or in early childhood.

CP is non-progressive, meaning the original brain injury does not worsen over time. However, the way CP affects a person's movement and body can change as they grow and develop.

At Positive Steps, we support children and adults with all types and presentations of CP, providing personalised physiotherapy based on their individual needs, abilities and goals.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy occurs when the developing brain is affected before, during or shortly after birth. It can have a number of causes, including:

• Abnormal development of the brain before birth

• Premature birth

• Stroke

• Infections during pregnancy or early childhood

• Reduced oxygen supply to the brain

• Head injury

• Severe jaundice

In many cases, the exact cause of CP is not known but includes any brain damage before the age of 2.

What Are the Different Types of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy can affect people in very different ways. The main types include:

• Spastic CP – muscles are stiff or tight, which can affect movement and mobility.

• Dyskinetic CP – causes involuntary, slow or jerky movements and changes in muscle tone.

• Ataxic CP – primarily affects balance, coordination and depth perception.

• Mixed CP – a combination of features from different types of CP.

CP can also be described by which parts of the body are most affected, such as hemiplegia, diplegia or quadriplegia.

What Are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

Symptoms and their severity vary greatly from person to person. Common challenges can include:

• Muscle stiffness or spasticity

• Floppy or low muscle tone

• Muscle weakness

• Reduced coordination

• Difficulties with balance and posture

• Difficulty controlling individual movements

• Delayed developmental milestones

• Communication or learning difficulties

• Difficulties with swallowing

Some people with CP may walk independently, while others may use wheelchairs, walking aids, splints or other equipment. There is no single way that CP looks or affects a person.

How Can Physiotherapy Help With Cerebral Palsy?

Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people with CP maintain and develop their physical abilities, manage secondary complications and participate in everyday activities.

At Positive Steps, our physiotherapy is individualised to the person rather than their diagnosis.

Depending on someone's needs and goals, physiotherapy may work on:

Strength and Muscle Control

We can develop strength and practise controlled movements to help improve functional skills such as sitting, standing, reaching and walking.

Balance and Coordination

We use purposeful activities and play to develop balance, coordination and the ability to control movement.

Mobility and Walking

For people who walk, we can work on walking patterns, efficiency, endurance and confidence. This may include practising different environments and activities that are important to everyday life.

Stretching and Muscle Flexibility

Where appropriate, we can provide stretching and positioning strategies to help manage muscle tightness and maintain joint movement.

Posture and Positioning

We can provide advice and strategies to support comfortable positioning, posture and movement, including consideration of equipment where needed.

Functional Skills

We focus on meaningful activities such as getting up from the floor, transfers, reaching, playing, climbing stairs or participating in hobbies and everyday activities.

Preventing and Managing Complications

Physiotherapy can help monitor movement and physical changes over time and support the management of issues such as muscle tightness, reduced joint movement and contractures.

What Does Physiotherapy Look Like for Someone With CP?

There is no standard physiotherapy programme for Cerebral Palsy.

At Positive Steps, we see a wide variety of people with CP  including people who walk independently, people who use wheelchairs and people who use splints, walking aids or other equipment.

Our sessions are tailored around what the person can do, what they want to achieve and what is important in their everyday life.

We use a combination of exercise, movement practice, functional activities, play and problem-solving to help each person reach their individual potential.

How Positive Steps Can Help

Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition, but with the right support, people with CP can continue to develop skills, maintain their physical abilities and participate in the things that matter to them.

At Positive Steps, we work with children and adults with all presentations of Cerebral Palsy, providing personalised physiotherapy that changes as their needs and goals develop.

Our aim is to help every person move with greater comfort, confidence and independence and achieve their fullest potential.

If you or your child has Cerebral Palsy and would like to find out how physiotherapy could help, get in touch with the Positive Steps team to arrange an assessment.