What Types of Alternative Therapies Could Help a Child With Cerebral Palsy?

 Posted on May 11, 2021 in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can lead to life-altering symptoms. A child with cerebral palsy may have difficulty eating and speaking, walking, and using his or her muscles to complete everyday tasks. He or she may be afflicted with involuntary movements and muscle rigidity. Some cerebral palsy sufferers also experience intellectual disabilities and problems with learning and development. If your child has cerebral palsy, you may be interested in alternatives to traditional medical interventions.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Children with Cerebral Palsy

There is still much that we do not know about alternative treatment for cerebral palsy sufferers. Some families find that alternative therapy reduces their child’s CP symptoms and increases his or her quality of life. However, others do not find the treatments to be effective. 

If you have a child with cerebral palsy, you may want to ask your child’s doctor about exploring alternative therapies such as:

• Massage therapy – Gentle massage may help ease muscle tension, reduce pain and stiffness, increase range of motion, and improve sleep for children with cerebral palsy. In one survey of parents of children with cerebral palsy, 86 percent of respondents reported that massage helped relax their child’s muscles. Just over 70 percent believe that massage improves the quality of their child’s life.
• Equine therapy – Hippotherapy or equine therapy utilizes horses and horse riding to treat certain medical conditions. Some parents find that equine therapy is an enjoyable and effective means of treating their child’s CP symptoms. Some studies have shown that equine therapy may improve CP sufferers’ gross motor function.
• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) - Electrical stimulation involves using mild electrical impulses to stimulate muscles. The procedure is thought to increase circulation, muscle strength, and range of motion. Some studies report that NMES reduces muscle spasticity and increases range of motion for children with CP.
• Yoga - Yoga involves stretching, holding poses, meditation, and breath control. Many people find that there are several physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of practicing yoga. Research has shown that yoga may help some children with cerebral palsy with motor coordination, postural stability, and flexibility.

Contact a Chicago Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Cerebral palsy can affect nearly every aspect of a child’s life. Alternative medicine may reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. If you suspect that your child’s cerebral palsy may have been caused by substandard medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, contact Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. to discuss your legal options. Our Cook County birth injury attorneys can help you determine if you qualify for financial compensation. Call 312-462-4200 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088521/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-8749.1998.tb12344.x

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25011433/

https://digitalcommons.ithaca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1344&context=ic_theses