4 Complementary Therapy Options for Children with Cerebral Palsy

 Posted on October 24, 2022 in Cerebral Palsy

If you are the parent of a child with cerebral palsy, you have probably spent many hours reading books, browsing the internet, and talking to your child's doctors about cerebral palsy treatment options. Cerebral palsy can cause a wide range of symptoms, from spastic movements and muscle rigidity to intellectual disability. According to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation, about a quarter of children with CP also suffer from behavioral and emotional problems such as anxiety and difficulty relating to their peers. 

Traditional CP treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medications, orthodontic devices, and surgery. While these treatments can be very effective, many parents are starting to look into alternative treatment options as well. 

Alternative Treatments for Children with Cerebral Palsy 

Parents of children with cerebral palsy often take a multifaceted approach to treatment. They pursue "out of the box" treatment options in addition to traditional treatment options. If your child has cerebral palsy, consider asking your child's doctor about:

• Music therapy – Music therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for children with cerebral palsy. One recent study found that music therapy improved children's Gross Motor Function Measure score, Functional Independence Measure for Children score, and Goal Attainment Scale score. Many researchers believe that listening to music and playing musical instruments can have great physical and psychological benefits for CP sufferers. 

• Hydrotherapy – Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is a type of physical therapy that uses the natural properties of water to help patients achieve their goals. The water's resistance can help strengthen muscles, while the warmth can help relax muscles and ease pain. Hydrotherapy has been shown to improve range of motion, joint flexibility, and muscle strength in children with CP. It can also help reduce spasticity. 

• Massage therapy – Massage therapy is another treatment option that can help ease pain, reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, increase body awareness, and reduce stress. Massage is typically used in conjunction with physical therapy, stretching exercises, and orthotics. 

• Hippotherapy – Hippotherapy, or horse therapy, is a type of physical therapy that uses the natural movements associated with riding a horse to help patients achieve their goals. The three-dimensional movement of the horse can help children with CP improve their balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. In addition, hippotherapy can help children develop a better sense of body awareness and spatial perception. Studies have shown horse therapy to improve gross motor function and functional performance. 

Contact a Chicago Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer to Discuss Pursuing Compensation   

Children with cerebral palsy often require significant medical treatment, equipment, and ongoing therapy. The costs associated with these needs can be tremendous. If your child developed cerebral palsy because of an avoidable injury during birth, contact our Cook County birth injury attorneys for help pursuing financial compensation. 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9263950/

https://cparf.org/what-is-cerebral-palsy/how-does-cerebral-palsy-affect-people/

https://www.medicinepaper.net/article/211/3-2-7-965.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6717488/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4205717/