A gratful letter from Abei Zhou of Sichuan, China

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I come from Abei Zhou of Sichuan, my son suffers from spastic cerebral palsy once he was born. His cognitive ability is very good, he can speak out Dad and Mum when he is 1 years old, while he could not stand up. When I saw other children learning walking, I am so sad, hope strongly to see my son could walk, if even he could stand, I would be satisfied. After receiving physical rehabilitation therapy, Chinese medicine and other treatments, all are not effective. If there was a little hope, I would try by my heart, but every time tried, every time failed, every time despaired…

Last year I watched a TV programme that a CP child named Lulu receiving stem cell treatment following Dr. Yihua An’s guideline, Lulu restored the neural functions so remarkably, my son and I all cried because we seemed to see the light of my son’s bright future…

After this spring festival, I hurried to take my son come to general hospital of Chinese people’s armed police forces to consult Dr. An in person, Dr. An explained me how the CP is caused, which stem cell will be better for certain type CP. Once Dr. An wrote down the sentences ‘this patient is allowed to receive stem cell transplantation’, my tears came out suddenly, my efforts and insistence of so many years are all paid back.

My son’s treatment was going through smoothly, once my son’s surgery was finished, Dr. An told us the operation is successful, I felt too much happiness, I seemed to see that my son running and playing under the sunshine. After 2 stem cell transplantations via lumbar puncture, I can see the obvious improvements my son achieved, the muscular tension of his limbs is improved obviously, the muscle strength of his waist is enhanced obviously, he can roll over on the bed. Following doctors’ guideline, I help my son take massages every day, everything is improved obviously as I expected, even my son tries to walk now…

Thank you very much, respectable Dr. An… Thanks a lot, dear nurses…

Physical rehabilitation therapy and cerebral palsy children (2)

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Who Benefits from Physical Therapy?

A child, and his or her parents or caregivers, benefit tremendously from physical therapy because it helps the child overcome physical limitations by increasing mobility, and identifies alternate methods of completing tasks.

The Individual with Cerebral Palsy Benefits

This is of benefit to the child because it makes possible something unaffected individuals take for granted: The ability to move from place to place, and interact with other children or adults by playing or performing tasks. Therapy also increases overall health by strengthening the body in a way that makes functioning not only possible, but pain and stress-free.

This is achieved not only by developing strength and flexibility in the body, but also using adaptive techniques – or equipment that can be operated by the child – that will allow the patient an alternate path to perform tasks able-bodied children their age perform.

Depending on the nature of a child’s cerebral palsy, a child can live a near-normal life; persons with the condition have attended college, participated in sports and activities, excelled in their careers and have married.

Physical therapy empowers the child physically and emotionally, and sets the stage for entering adulthood as an independent individual.

Parents and Caregivers Benefit

Parents and caregivers benefit because as a patient progresses, raising a child with cerebral palsy becomes less labor intensive. Parents and caregivers are often overwhelmed and under an extreme level of stress. They have several responsibilities, including assisting their child with many physical tasks, providing love and emotional support, making sure the child is receiving adequate care in a medical setting and an education at school. The more physical challenges a child can overcome or adapt to, the less hands-on assistance is required of the parents.

Additionally, a successful physical therapy program allows a parent to see their child interacting with others in a healthy way, building relationships, using their body to the best of his or her ability, and potentially, living independently.

What are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?

The benefit of physical therapy, for any patient that is experiencing physical limitations, is regaining – or developing – physical mobility.

By developing a comprehensive plan of treatment, a physical therapist can address limitations in a child’s mobility – and specifically address them. This is achieved through employing exercises that increase physical function, and using adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and orthotics to improve performance.

As a child’s physical abilities improve, the therapist can modify the equipment, or the overall course of therapy, to further advance a child’s treatment.

The largest benefit of therapy to the child with cerebral palsy is in treatment of problematic conditions when they occur, including:

·        Muscle atrophy or tightening

·        Loss in joint range of motion

·        Muscle spasticity

·        Pain in muscles and joints

·        Joint inflammation

·        Contractures (muscle rigidity)

The therapists focus on achieving optimal results and minimizing unforeseen complications.

Physical rehabilitation therapy and cerebral palsy children (1)

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What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a branch of rehabilitative health that is considered one of the most important aspects of treating children with cerebral palsy. Those with cerebral palsy experience mobility, function, posture and balance challenges of varying degrees, and physical therapy – which focuses on basic mobility such as standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching or operating a wheelchair – is a key element in the multidisciplinary approach to increasing a child’s mobility.

Physical therapy is the rehabilitation of physical impairments by training and strengthening a patient’s large muscles – those in the arms, legs, and abdomen. The goal of physical therapy is to maximize functional control of the body, or increase gross motor function.

The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals:

·        develop coordination

·        build strength

·        improve balance

·        maintain flexibility

·        optimize physical functioning levels

·        maximize independence

Trained and licensed physical therapists identify mobility issues and determine the unique physical abilities and limitations of children, taking into account their age and cognitive functioning, after a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made by a physician.

The therapist will then develop a course of treatment that will include exercises, stretches, and possibly assistive and adaptive equipment designed to achieve mobility. The treatment may also employ the use of passive modalities involving hot and cold packs, ultrasound technology or other means in which the child does not take an active role.

All treatment is designed to meet a child’s individual needs in a way that emphasizes physical fitness, and minimizes injuries and pain.

Additionally, a physical therapist provides positive reinforcement for a child by focusing on his or her capabilities, not limitations. The therapist will set goals for young patients, and work with them to meet predetermined benchmarks with confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

Therapy aids overall treatment goals such as:

·        Overcoming physical limitations

·        Expanding range of joint motion

·        Building and maintaining muscle tone

·        Increasing recreational capabilities

·        Identifying alternate ways to perform everyday tasks

·        Fostering independence

·        Decreasing the likelihood of contractures, bone deformity

·        Educating children and parents about adaptive equipment

·        Providing sensory stimulation

·        Increasing fitness

·        Increasing flexibility

·        Improving posture

·        Improving gait

·        Minimizing pain and discomfort