Framework for treating children with Cerebral Palsy.

There are many methods to improve gross motor function & related participation in cerebral palsy. Some are evidence-based, and some are experience-based. There is no gold-standard approach. The success of any method depends upon the therapist's skill and experience, the child's severity, contextual factors, and the family's involvement. One of the many methods I follow is a three-step approach that helps me achieve my pediatric clients' gross motor goals.

1. Alignment

Alignment brings the muscles to effective length, gets the centre of mass within the base of support, and tweaks the line of gravity to the joint axes. All of these have profound effects on postural stability and movement patterns essential for function. The Intervention begins by aligning the body segments. One can use various therapeutic tools and environmental modifications to achieve postural alignment. If a postural alignment cannot be achieved conservatively, an orthopedist consult is necessary for further treatment.

2. Practice Function

Once postural alignment is achieved, practice functions more significantly in the context. It is essential to tweak the motor control components, such as individual (Child), task, and environment, to make the activity complex or function right for the child.

3. Integrate function into social context (participation)

Achieving function alone is not the outcome of any motor intervention. However, how well a child uses learned function in a social context determines the success of treatment intervention. A child learning to walk in the clinical environment is insufficient; they should confidently walk at home, school, or social places, actively accessing different parts of the environment with a purpose.

What is your go-to framework for treating children with cerebral palsy? Post your comments below.

(Note: This is educational material, not treatment advice. )