Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is one of the most common subtypes of CP, characterized by muscle stiffness, impaired motor function, and jerky movements, all caused by damage or abnormalities in the developing brain. However, with the right interventions and support, individuals with spastic CP can lead fuller and richer lives.
Read all about Plexus’ award-winning regenerative rehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy here.
This blog highlights the importance of physical therapy for spastic CP and how regular exercise can steadfastly improve the patient’s quality of life.
Understanding Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Cerebral Palsy is a subtype of Cerebral Palsy, which is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, coordination, and motor skills, caused by damage or abnormalities in the developing brain. It typically occurs due to injury or infection before, during, or shortly after birth. Spasticity refers to abnormal muscle tightness, which occurs because the damaged part of the brain cannot send messages correctly to the muscles. As a result, the patient’s movements become stiff and jerky and they cannot perform tasks properly. About 77% of all Cerebral Palsy diagnoses are Spastic Cerebral Palsy.
Symptoms of Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Cerebral Palsy can affect any number of limbs and may range from mild to severe. The early symptoms can be hard to spot, especially in infancy. Typically, parents will notice the symptoms when the child starts missing developmental milestones. Some of the signs to watch out for include:
- Inability to lift head as a baby
- Difficulty standing and walking
- Difficulty changing one’s position in bed
- Difficulty standing up after sitting and vice versa
- Inability to fully extend joints
- Abnormal reflexes
- Difficulty with fine motor skills such as buttoning a shirt
- Scissoring thighs
- Abnormal posture and gait
- Slurred speech
- Hoarse voice
- Drooling
- Difficulty eating and swallowing
Exercises for Spastic Cerebral Palsy(CP)
Spastic muscles can lead to complications over time, such as muscle degeneration or bone deformities. Commencing treatment early on, therefore, is crucial. There are a number of exercises that focus on stretching and flexibility so that the patient’s range of motion can improve. Some of these include:
Calf Stretches
Place your hands on a wall and take a long step back so that you are standing with the front knee bent and the back leg stretched out with the heel raised. Slowly lower the heel and hold for 20-30 seconds before repeating with the other leg.
Shoulder Stretch
Raise an arm and bend it behind your head while using the other hand to press against your elbow until you can feel the stretch. Hold it for 20-30 seconds.
Sit-to-Stand
Sit in a sturdy chair and scoot to the edge of the seat. Lean forward and use your legs to push yourself up, use your arms for assistance if necessary. Maintain your standing balance for a few seconds before gently lowering back into the chair. Complete 2 to 3 sets of 10 repetitions to maximize the benefits.
Side Leg Raises
Stand next to a stable surface for support. Keep your body upright and shift your weight to one side. Lift one leg out to the side while keeping hips and feet facing forward, then slowly return to the starting position. Complete 2 to 3 sets of 10 repetitions on each side for improved hip muscle strength and stability.
Joint Rotations
Rotate your ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, and elbow joints in circular motions, in both directions.
Hamstring Stretch
Sit on the floor with both legs straight in front of you and lean your body forward. Keep leaning forward up until you feel any discomfort and then hold for about 30 seconds.
Arm Over Chest
Stretch one arm across your body and use the other arm to press it against the chest and hold it in place for about 20-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Trunk Tilts
Lie on your back and rotate your upper body to one side without moving your lower body. Hold for 20-30 seconds and then get back to neutral position. Repeat on the other side.
Trunk Twists
Rotate your upper body to one side while in a sitting or standing position, and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Your feet should be flat on the floor throughout.
In addition, therapists recommend the following for Spastic Cerebral Palsy patients.
- Cardiovascular exercises to maintain heart and respiratory health and improve general fitness
- Strength training to build muscle and improve overall strength
- Occupational Therapy to learn how to perform daily tasks like eating or getting dressed with appropriate modifications, such as assistive devices
Physical Therapy for Spastic Cerebral Palsy
At our centres in Bangalore and Hyderabad, Plexus offers advanced physical therapy for spastic CP. While focusing on improving mobility, flexibility, strength, and overall functional abilities in individuals affected by this neurological condition, our highly-skilled physiotherapists will chalk out an exercise routine in keeping with the following goals:
- Improving Muscle Strength: Strengthening exercises target weak muscles, particularly those affected by spasticity, to enhance overall muscle tone and functional strength. This can improve posture, stability, and coordination.
- Enhancing Range of Motion: PT helps to increase the range of motion in joints affected by spasticity, enabling individuals to perform daily activities with greater ease and independence.
- Enhancing Motor Skills: Our physical therapists employ various exercises and activities to improve gross and fine motor skills, enabling individuals to perform tasks such as walking, standing, reaching, and grasping more effectively.
- Managing Spasticity: PT techniques such as stretching exercises, manual therapy, and neuromuscular re-education help to reduce muscle spasticity, alleviating stiffness and improving movement control.
Through targeted interventions, physical therapy can significantly enhance functional abilities and independence in daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and mobility.
Advantages of Physical Therapy for Spastic Cerebral Palsy
The following are the advantages of physical therapy for spastic CP:
- Improved Mobility: PT interventions help individuals with spastic CP move more freely and efficiently, enhancing their ability to navigate their environment and engage in activities of daily living.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing mobility limitations, reducing pain, and improving overall function, PT improves the quality of life for individuals with spastic CP. It empowers them to participate more fully in social, recreational, and vocational activities.
- Prevention of Secondary Complications: PT interventions can prevent secondary complications associated with spastic CP, such as contractures, joint deformities, and muscle imbalances.
- Long-Term Functional Gains: Consistent participation in PT can lead to long-term functional gains, enabling individuals with spastic CP to maintain or improve their mobility, independence, and overall health and well-being over time.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy presents unique challenges, but with appropriate exercises and physiotherapy treatments, individuals can improve their muscle flexibility, range of motion, and overall function. Early intervention and regular therapy sessions are essential for maximizing the benefits of treatment and enhancing quality of life for individuals with spastic CP. By incorporating targeted exercises and physiotherapy into their routine, individuals with spastic CP can achieve greater independence and mobility, leading to a more fulfilling life.
If you wish to know more about our physiotherapy programs for spastic CP, please reach out to Team Plexus today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
What is the best exercise for cerebral palsy?
The best exercise for cerebral palsy is typically based on the individual’s specific needs and abilities. Activities that focus on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, such as swimming, cycling, yoga, and physical therapy exercises tailored to the individual’s condition, are generally helpful.
How do you reduce spasticity in cerebral palsy?
Physical therapy, stretching exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, and orthotics can help reduce spasticity in CP. In advanced or severe cases surgery may be necessary.
Can exercise improve cerebral palsy?
Exercise promotes mobility, strength, flexibility, balance, and overall functional abilities. It is a crucial component of on-going CP rehabilitation.
Does spasticity get worse with age?
Spasticity may or may not worsen with age in individuals with cerebral palsy. While some may experience a progressive increase in spasticity over time due to factors such as musculoskeletal changes, growth spurts, or aging-related changes in the nervous system, others may remain stable or even experience a decrease in spasticity with appropriate management and interventions tailored to their needs. Spasticity needs to be managed effectively in order to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal impairment, motor and balance issues, and other challenges associated with cerebral palsy.
