A Comprehensive Guide To Diagnosing And Treating Cerebral Palsy

Alternative Treatments Available

The majority of adults and children with cerebral palsy need a treatment plan to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. As mentioned already, medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and surgery are all common options for treating cerebral palsy. It should be noted, however, every case of cerebral palsy is different, so each treatment plan will be unique.

Some patients may opt for alternative therapy methods. Alternative therapy is a phrase used to describe treatments that replace traditional treatments. In the same vein, complementary therapy is non-traditional therapy used alongside conventional treatment methods. Alternative therapy options for cerebral palsy include acupuncture, music therapy, aquatic therapy, and hippotherapy. Music therapy has been shown to help with several neurological conditions. Hippotherapy uses horseback riding to help with improving an individual's strength, balance, and coordination. Aquatic therapy is conducted in a pool and may help with strength and coordination. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the nerves in the body. The nerve then sends a signal to the brain, and the brain releases endorphins that reduce pain.

Living With Cerebral Palsy

When a child is diagnosed with a disabling condition, it not only affects the child's life in unfathomable ways, but the whole family faces a new set of challenges. To begin, if a child has cerebral palsy, the best thing for a parent to do is to foster their child's independence and encourage any of their efforts, no matter how big or small they are. Parents should also be an advocate for their child, as the parents are the number one and two individuals on their child's support team and their most influential supporters.

Parents should not be afraid to ask their child's medical team, therapists, and teachers questions, and certainly should not be afraid to speak out on their child's behalf. Parents should also seek support from support groups, as a support group can make a momentous difference in helping the parents cope with cerebral palsy and its effects. A doctor can recommend local support groups, organizations, and counseling services for the child, parents, and family, which can greatly benefit all who care for the patient. With the right support, treatment, and care, many patients, whether children or adults, with cerebral palsy, can go on and live fulfilling and loving lives. It truly does take a village to raise and care for anyone, with or without special needs!