The main effects of cerebral palsy are difficulty in controlling movement, posture and balance. Physiotherapy plays an important role in both the diagnosis and management of Cerebral Palsy and help them to lead independent life.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common form where the muscles appear stiffer and movements may be jerky with difficulty moving from one position to another.

Physical therapy is the rehabilitation of physical impairments by training and strengthening patient’s muscles. The goal of physical therapy is to maximize functional control of the body.

Physiotherapy helps Children in:

- Muscle atrophy or tightening
- Loss in joint range of motion
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Joint inflammation
- Contractures (muscle rigidity)

As part of a tailored treatment plan, physiotherapist will teach the child how to control their head movements and how to sit, roll, crawl and walk, encouraging normal motor development and function.

Physiotherapists will also teach parents how to handle their child at home for feeding, bathing, dressing and other activities, guiding them in the implementation of home based exercise programmes to help improve and develop motor function and movement.

They will also advise on the most appropriate adaptive equipment to help the child’s mobility, improving independence, quality of life and maximising their learning potential.