Exercises For Spastic Cerebral Palsy: An Overview

Exercises For Spastic Cerebral Palsy: An Overview

Understanding Spastic Cerebral Palsy ●

Spastic Cerebral Palsy inhibits the motor function of the patient, which means they will have stiff, jerky movements, and painful muscle contractures.

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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.

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It typically occurs due to injury or infection before, during, or shortly after birth.

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Spasticity refers to abnormal muscle tightness, which occurs because the damaged part of the brain cannot send messages correctly to the muscles.

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As a result, the patient’s movements become stiff and jerky and they cannot perform tasks properly.

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About 77% of all Cerebral Palsy diagnoses are Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Symptoms of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

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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 ● 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. ● 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.

Exercises for Spastic Cerebral Palsy ● 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. ● 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. ● 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.

Thank you.