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.
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