Managing Cerebral Palsy with Pediatric Occupational Therapy
If your child has recently received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, you may wonder what you need to do to ensure your child thrives in school, at play, and throughout their life. Pediatric occupational therapy at Flourishing Lives offers solutions; in fact, our focus is helping your child develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for several neurological disorders that affect motor function and appear in infancy or early childhood. However, it’s important to remember that CP affects people in different ways and degrees, which is why our personalized approach is so essential.
We’ll find the right treatment solutions for your child. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy Symptoms and Related Conditions
It’s difficult to provide a truly comprehensive list of cerebral palsy symptoms, as they can vary so much. Generally speaking, however, CP causes difficulties with movement and posture, such as the following:
- Motor developmental delays
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Overly stiff or tight muscles
- Weak muscles
- Impaired gait
- Tremors
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (hand and finger dexterity)
In addition to these motor-related symptoms, people with CP can develop related conditions that can further impact independence. Here are some of those conditions (remember not everyone with CP will have them):
- Intellectual disability
- Seizure disorders
- Spinal issues and osteoarthritis
- Impaired vision
- Speech and language disorders
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Can Help
Pediatric occupational therapy is a healthcare field focused on helping kids develop the skills they need for the day-to-day activities they’ll perform throughout their lives. The activities can range from grooming and hygiene to playing and schoolwork.
Our occupational therapists will work with you, your child, and your child’s care team to create a personalized plan that focuses on managing symptoms and navigating everyday challenges. And because kids learn best by playing, we strive to make your child’s therapy sessions as fun as possible. We’ll incorporate swings, obstacle courses, socialization with peers and fine motor activities as a way to teach crucial skills, such as the following:
- Fine motor skills (movements using the small muscles of the hands and fingers)
- Gross motor skills (movements using the large muscles of the body)
- Hand-eye coordination
- Regulating sensory or emotional needs
- Activities of daily living, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed
We can also help your child learn how to increase communication and confidence needed to thrive in daily life and more.
Flourishing Lives can help your child live life to the fullest! Request an appointment at our St. Clair Shores or Rochester, MI clinic today.
Begin Your Journey To A Flourishing Life
Easy Steps To Start Transforming Your Life Today
Ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life? At Flourishing Lives, starting is as simple as reaching out. Our compassionate team is ready to guide you through our straightforward evaluation process, creating a customized plan tailored to you or your loved one’s unique needs. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together
EVALUATION
Work side by side with our team to learn how we can help you and your family thrive using our FL Method that is rooted in a play based approach.
TREATMENT
30-60+ Sessions
Customized Plan
1-3 Sessions Per Week.
Therapeutic breaks from Treatment as Recommended.
Consultative Services/Membership
Become a part of our family to get tips, tricks and help other families through a community and collaboration.