Tuesday, January 6, 2009

General Treatment and Therapy

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy treatment is a diverse field of study. With each case being as unique as the individual it affects, the type of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy treatment a patient requires will vary from person to person. The focus of cerebral palsy treatment is on the individual reaching the highest level of independence. Accomplishing this level of independence will relieve stress on both the patient and the caregivers. Individualized plans for cerebral palsy treatment are based on the patient needs and problems. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals involved with patients, families, teachers, and caregivers can develop a plan in all phases of planning, decision- making, and treatment.

Physical Therapy

One of the mainstay therapies for cerebral palsy treatment is physical therapy. Physical therapy is used to decrease spasticity, strengthen underlying muscles, and teach proper or functional motor patterns. The family and caregivers can be taught by the physical therapist how to help the patients to help themselves.



For more information on Noreen Scott or Tender Ones Therapy Services, Inc - http://www.tenderones.com/
Occupational Therapy

A cerebral palsy treatment that is used for fine motor skills and daily living activities is known as occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is used much in the same way as physical therapy, primarily focusing on the hands and arms.

Exercise therapy

Another cerebral palsy treatment is exercise therapy, which can greatly enhance the mindset of the patient and give them a great sense of accomplishment. Whether indoor or outdoor, exercise increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain and can alleviate stress.


For more information on Noreen Scott and her clinic - http://www.tenderones.com/

Swimming can be quite beneficial during cerebral palsy treatment, preferably in a warmer than average pool. Aquatic Therapy or pool therapy, as it's often called, consists of an exercise program done in the water. The buoyancy of the water supports the weight of the child and allows him/her to move in ways that would be impossible on land. Physical Therapists insist the pool relaxes muscles and reduces the force of stress placed on the joints . This, in turn, makes it easier to work and strengthen muscles. Recreational therapists are available to teach your child how to swim, which for some patients may be their only mobility.



Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a Greek term meaning 'treatment with the help of a horse, also known as horseback riding, involves specially trained physical and occupational therapists in treatment for patients with movement dysfunction. The horse movements benefit the patient and they can bond with the animal as well.



For more information on Butterfly Dreams Farm or Peggy Curran - http://www.butterflydreamsfarm.org/.

Hippotherapy uses the influence of the horse over the patient, rather than the patient controlling the horse. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes in cerebral palsy treatment.

Speech and Language Therapy

Throat and tongue muscles may be affected as well, so speech and language therapy is available as a cerebral palsy treatment as well. Speech and language therapy is used for spoken and alternative types of communication, such as sign language or computers.

WalkAble the Pediatric LiteGait – Mobility Research

WalkAble™ is specially designed for use with smaller children at home or in therapy.
WalkAble is the smallest LiteGait® model, and is perfect for children weighing up to 100 lbs and 4' 8" tall*. The harness comfortably supports the child, and the locking straps allow adjustments to be made for walking symmetry, while providing a very enjoyable walking therapy experience. The smaller, lighter design of the WalkAble allows a child to be safely supported while walking over ground or over treadmill in any environment, whether at home, in school, or in therapy.
LiteGait models are available for larger patients.




Occupational Therapist, Hulet Smith, and his daughter, Sophia, who has Cerebral Palsy, demonstrates the LiteGait Trainer.

The unique design of WalkAble allows its supportive yoke to slide easily and safely down the upright post, allowing for control of posture and balance for even the youngest children, while a redundant safety pin and two tightening knobs keep the yoke securely in its desired position. Additionally, the uniquely designed harness can be used—without modification—for both walking and crawling.
Gait therapy sessions using a treadmill at speeds as slow as 0.1 mph have proven highly effective with the pediatric populations. In combination with the proper training program, WalkAble can help therapists and parents improve a patient's gait patterns, posture, balance, muscle strength and overall endurance levels. WalkAble is being used successfully in homes, children centers, and rehabilitation facilities throughout the world.

Specifications

WK 75
Max Patient Weight – 75 lb
Max Patient Height - 60 in
Unit Max/Min Height - 60/25½ in
Harness Fits Girths - 17-33 in
Base Inside Width - 253 / 27 / 30 in
Overall Length – 32 in

WK 100
Max Patient Weight – 100 lb
Max Patient Height - 54 in
Unit Max/Min Height - 66/35 in
Harness Fits Girths - 17-33 in
Base Inside Width - 253 / 27 / 30 in
Overall Length – 32 in