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Introduction
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/USS_Kearsarge_medical_team_treat_patients_at_Arima_District_Health_Facility_DVIDS126489.jpg/220px-USS_Kearsarge_medical_team_treat_patients_at_Arima_District_Health_Facility_DVIDS126489.jpg)
The rehabilitation of cerebral palsy (CP) requires a therapeutic team of family, physicians, and other professionals, who can work together and share a goal of caring for the motor disorder of the patient. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are two of the most used interventions worldwide in managing and treating patients with cerebral palsy.[1]. Physical therapists help develop motor skills and prevent complications in the musculoskeletal system.[2]. On the other hand, occupational therapists focus on developing skills for performing activities of daily living.[3].
Therapy Functions
[edit]Some activities of daily living that occupational therapy offers are writing and feeding, which allows the CP patient to become more independent. During therapy sessions, therapists also incorporate movement and postural techniques in order to improve fine and gross motor skills.[4]. There are numerous tools and techniques for therapists to utilize when rehabilitating a CP patient, such as kinesio tape, hand splints, ankle braces, and wheelchairs. Splints and braces are used to support and immobilize certain joints in the body while allowing the joints to heal. Wheelchairs have been used for a long time, but motorized wheelchairs have been introduced recently and has revolutionized technology for disabled people. During regular therapy sessions, each session may differ. Therapists test different approaches to see which is more effective.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Kinesiotaping.jpg/220px-Kinesiotaping.jpg)
Household
[edit]While physical therapy and occupational therapy contribute to the health care of CP patients, participation in school and the household with family play a huge part in helping treat cerebral palsy.[5]. At home, the immediate family can help prepare some activities for the CP patient. Some techniques that can be done at home are strengthening the muscles, mostly with the use of free weights or elastic bands. At home and school, the practice is generally more consistent.
- ^ Patel D. Therapeutic Interventions in Cerebral Palsy. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2005;72;979-983.
- ^ Palmer F, Shapiro B, Wachtel R, Allen M, Hiller J. The Effects of Physical Therapy on Cerebral Palsy. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1988;318;803-808.
- ^ Steultjens E, Dekker J, Bouter L, Van de Nes J, Lambregts B, Van den Ende C. Occupational Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2004;18;1-14.
- ^ Molnar G. Rehabilitation in Cerebral Palsy. The Western Journal of Medicine. 1991;154;569-572.
- ^ Palisano R, Snider L, Orlin M. Recent Advances in Physical and Occupational Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology. 2004;11;66-77.