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.



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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.


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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.



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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.