What is Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation?

Cerebral palsy rehabilitation aims to maximize a child’s existing functional capacity to ensure the highest possible independence and quality of life. This process is carried out with family education, robotic technologies, spasticity control, and multidisciplinary team support.

Types of Cerebral Palsy and Goals

Spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed types affect muscle tone and movement patterns differently. The rehabilitation team sets short- and long-term goals according to the child’s level, such as independent sitting, supported/independent walking, fine motor skills, and daily living activities.

Assessment and Planning

Physical examination, range of motion (ROM) measurements, muscle strength, balance tests, and swallowing-respiratory functions are examined in detail. Additionally, family interviews determine home environment and school needs, thus creating a personalized rehabilitation schedule.

Treatment Approaches

1. Bobath (Neurodevelopmental) Therapy

Hand-placement techniques that promote postural control and normal movement patterns are integrated into daily play activities.

2. Robotic Gait Systems

• Exoskeletons & Walker-supported robots: Trigger brain flexibility (neuroplasticity) with high-repetition, symmetrical step cycles.
• Suspension gait treadmills: Ensure safe early mobilization by partially offloading body weight.

3. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

Low-dose “assistive” electric current is applied to weak muscles to stimulate muscle contraction, providing timely support for the gait pattern.

4. Spasticity Management

Regular stretching-splint applications, botulinum toxin injections, and in selected cases, selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery are used to balance muscle tone.

5. Orthotics and Assistive Technologies

AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) and dynamic hand splints maintain joint alignment; they also provide stability during sitting balance exercises.

6. Hydrotherapy

The buoyancy of water reduces spasticity, offers a pain-free range of motion, and improves “cardio-pulmonary” endurance.

7. Virtual Reality (VR) & Gamification

Audiovisual feedback increases balance, hand-eye coordination, and motivation.

8. Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Hand and arm robots teach grasping-releasing cycles. CPM devices, on the other hand, maintain shoulder and elbow joint range of motion.

9. Speech-Swallowing Therapy

Oral motor exercises, alternative feeding position training, and when necessary, “assistive” communication devices are used.

10. Psychosocial Education and Family Education

Families are taught home exercises, positioning, and device usage; psychological support reduces stress and adaptation difficulties.

School and Social Life Integration

Occupational therapists support academic success with activities like pen holding, scissor use, computer keyboard adaptation, and in-class positioning. A social worker provides guidance on disability rights and access to community resources.