Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is perhaps the most important therapy and treatment for cerebral palsy.  Children with CP often have poor muscle tone, favor one side, or have difficulty with tense muscles.  Physical therapists for cerebral palsy will use exercises to prevent disuse atrophy, or the deterioration of muscles that are not used, and to prevent contracture, or the muscles that are kept in a rigid position.  Physical therapy also focuses on strength training to build muscle tone.  Physical therapy can also help stretch spastic muscles, which allows the muscles to grow at a rate compatible with bone growth.