Adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP)

How having CP may affect your life

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term to describe neurological damage that happens before birth or in the first few years of life. There are an enormous variety of ways in which people are affected. The range of difficulties with which people with cerebral palsy live is dependent upon many different and inter-related factors. Understanding the particular issues each individual has is an important place to start. Dealing with the problem is best done by addressing the cause and making the body as stable and strong as it can be.

Supporting your management of CP

Progress with treatment will vary greatly depending on the initial problem and degree of difficulty experienced by you. Regular exercise and gentle stretches may reduce stiffness and improve muscle length, strength and control. Our treatment will help to minimise abnormal patterns of movement and postural asymmetries and re-align and activate appropriate muscles in order to perform functional activities.

We will provide you with a safe and encouraging environment to explore and enhance your movement skills, as well as sourcing the most effective equipment and aids to your individual requirements.

What to expect from heads up

First assessment

• We will take time to listen to how your symptoms impact your life, what difficulties you are experiencing and discuss what is important to you to focus on.
• We will assess how CP affects you physically, cognitively and emotionally and support you to formulate short- and long-term goals to work on.
• We will take time to explain what we are doing and to answer any questions you may have about your situation.
• We will provide some initial advice, treatment and guidance with exercises to carry out.
• We will discuss what your treatment plan may look like and offer treatment sessions that will suit your needs.

Treatment plan

Assessment is ongoing throughout the treatment process as your ability changes and progress is made.

Treatment may consist of stretches; building muscle strength and co-ordination; carrying out functional tasks; improving balance control and re-educating your walking pattern. It is led by your needs and wants but the therapist will evaluate the best treatment methods to achieve your goals. Your home exercise programme will be updated and reviewed regularly.

After discussion, we may liaise with your GP or consultant about your medication and medical management. We may signpost you to organisations that can support you and/or refer you to other health professionals.

There will be regular opportunity to discuss your progress and your changing needs.