Resource Centre

Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Many children will see a physiotherapist (PT) to help them develop motor skills such as rolling, crawling, standing and walking. Physiotherapists may use a variety of methods including a “hands-on” approach, or designing a home exercise program. These programs may include stretches, exercises and participation in physical activities.

The physiotherapy will be based on specific goals discussed with the therapist, child and family. The physiotherapist may suggest specialized equipment such as walkers or standers and/or “braces” for the feet called ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs).

An occupational therapist (OT) may assess your child’s fine motor skills, and determine how their abilities are impacting on their participation in daily activities such as dressing, feeding, bathing, printing and play. Sometimes the occupational therapist will look at equipment, which can help the child in the home, such as bath chairs and ramps.

Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP) help children improve their ability to speak and make sounds. They teach parents ways to help their children acquire language and other communication skills. They will sometimes introduce other ways of communicating such as signs, pictures or electronic devices.

Psychologists evaluate thinking skills, learning and attention. Infant stimulation programs, specialized nursery school programs and appropriate classroom settings can help foster development of cognitive (thinking) skills.

Social Workers can help families with topics such as parenting issues, sibling or peer relationships and problems at school. They also provide information about specialized community supports and resources. Social workers offer individual, couple and family counselling as well as education and support groups.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Many children with cerebral palsy have stiffness in their muscles. When this is severe sometimes medications can be used to decrease spasticity. Some children may benefit from injections of Botulinum Toxin A (also known as Botox) to help reduce spasticity in their affected muscles.

Botulinum Toxin A temporarily paralyses the spastic muscle, so that there is less pressure on the joints. Then the spastic muscle can grow better and the other muscles can be strengthened.

The decision to use Botulinum Toxin is made very carefully, and is based on the amount of spasticity, your child’s medical history, his/her day-to-day skills, and input from the parent and child.

What is new in Research?

There are many exciting areas of research in cerebral palsy. As home of the Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is a leader in providing direction and participate in research activities. From time to time you may be asked to participate in research projects. This can be exciting, but it is always at your discretion, and will not affect the other care your child receives through Holland Bloorview.

Do Alternative Therapies Work?

Many families use alternative and complementary therapies with their children. We know many families will want to try anything they can do to improve the health and abilities of their child. However, many alternative therapies are not based on scientific studies, and have not been proven to work in children with cerebral palsy. More importantly, they may interfere with other treatments and therapies.

We encourage you to talk to a team member to help you make decisions about this important area. There are some complementary therapies, which have been shown to be helpful. Many families are involved with therapeutic horseback riding and hydrotherapy (therapeutic swim time), which have been shown to improve strength in children with cerebral palsy.

Back to Cerebral Palsy Guidebook

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