Rehabilitation of Children with Childhood Cerebral Palsy (MPD).

Rehabilitation of children with infantile cerebral palsy (MPD) is a multi-faceted process, requiring a variety of therapeutic methods. At Paley European Institute, we offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored to each child's individual needs. This article provides detailed information on rehabilitation methods, programs and aids.

What will you read about?

• Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Children with MPD
• Methods of Rehabilitation of Children with MPD
• 1. physiotherapy for MPD
• 2 MPD Occupational Therapy
• 3. speech therapy Neurology
• 4. vision therapy
• 5. pharmacological treatment

Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Children with MPD

Comprehensive rehabilitation takes into account many aspects of a child's life aimed at improving physical, mental and social functioning. The most important elements of comprehensive rehabilitation are:

• Physiotherapy: Exercises to improve muscle strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. Physiotherapy helps prevent contractures and deformities and improves mobility.
• Occupational therapy: Developing everyday skills, such as dressing, eating and writing, which supports the achievement of greater independence.
• Speech therapy: speech and language therapy to assist children with communication and eating problems.
• Vision therapy: Specialists help improve visual function and adaptation to vision problems.
• Psychological support: Help with coping with emotions, stress and adapting to life with MPD. Support is crucial for both children and their families.

Methods of Rehabilitation of Children with MPD

Rehabilitation of children with MPD includes a variety of therapeutic methods that are tailored to the individual needs of each child:

1. physiotherapy for MPD

Physiotherapy is a key method of rehabilitation for children with MPD, focusing on improving motor function, mobility and independence.

Its main areas are:

Kinesitherapy - the use of therapeutic exercises and movement

Physical therapy - the use of physical agents for therapeutic purposes (such as electric current, magnetic field, heat, cold, ultrasound, laser)

Massage - using various techniques to activate tissues, normalize tension, stimulate circulation, etc.

A major role in physiotherapy is played by special methods such as:

• Vojta method: A technique based on stimulation of specific body points to elicit motor responses.
• Bobath Method: Focuses on improving postural control and movement through exercises and supportive techniques.
• PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) method: A technique that uses diagonal and spiral movements to improve muscle function and motor activity.
• Medek therapy - uses gravity to develop and improve large motor skills.
• Sensory integration - supports the work of the senses
• Manual therapy - through mobilization and manipulation techniques, improves ranges of motion, normalizes muscle tension, and has an analgesic effect.
• Tool therapy - mobilizes tissues and improves their structure
• Vibration therapy - normalizes muscle tension and supports muscle function
• Electrostimulation - supports muscle function, normalizes tension, stimulates the nervous system through the appropriate application of electrical impulses
• Serial and inhibitory plastering - improves ranges of motion, normalizes muscle tension, improves motor function
• Kinesiotaping
• Dynamic Tape
• Medical training
• Three-plane foot therapy
• PETO
• FITS
• Shantala massage
• And many more

2 MPD Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills necessary for daily functioning.

• ADL (Activities of Daily Living): Exercises related to daily activities such as dressing, eating and personal hygiene.
• Snoezelen Method (Sensory Integration): A multisensory therapy that helps relax and stimulate the senses.
• Ergotherapy: Focuses on developing manual and motor skills through a variety of tasks and activities.
• Forced activity therapy (CIMT)
• Bimanual therapy
• Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance CO-OP
• Social skills training (TUS)
• Flortime aproach

3. speech therapy Neurology

Speech therapy deals with the improvement of speech and communication in children with MPD, as well as the training of digestive functions

• Speech therapy: Articulation, breathing and phonation exercises.
• AAC - alternative and assistive communication e.g. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) method: An alternative communication system using pictures.
• Oral-motor therapy: Exercises to improve the function of the muscles responsible for speech and eating.

4. vision therapy

Vision therapy helps children with visual problems associated with MPD.

• Orthoptic exercises: Exercises to improve eye coordination and vision abilities.
• Visual stimulation: techniques to help develop visual perception.
• Vision support in CVI (cerebral visual impairment) and adaptations

5. pharmacological treatment

Pharmacological treatment includes the use of drugs to reduce muscle spasticity and other symptoms of MPD.

• Baclofen: Muscle relaxant drugs.
• Diazepam: Anticonvulsants and tranquilizers.
• Botulinum toxin: Injections to reduce muscle spasticity.