Natural Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

When you have a child with cerebral palsy, you find yourself searching everywhere for answers and what you can do to help. Fortunately, a number of therapies are available that can help reduce symptoms and make your child more comfortable. 

The goal of cerebral palsy treatment is to repair the damage in the brain that causes spasms and seizures. Although at this point no treatments can undo the damage that was done, many management options are available, aside from medications, surgeries and other such invasive interventions. 

Acupuncture

Although not enough studies have been done, research is showing evidence for acupuncture helping to treat cerebral palsy. It appears to be helpful in improving daily function, increasing independence and even enhancing verbal functioning. Other studies are indicating that acupuncture may be useful in boosting bone density. It has also been shown that combining acupuncture with music therapy improves motor functioning more than acupuncture alone. 

Biofeedback

Studies have been done to demonstrate the effectiveness of biofeedback in the treatment of cerebral palsy. The groups who received biofeedback therapy showed statistically significant improvement in muscle flexion, range of motion and gait function. Other successes with biofeedback include improved head and neck posture and weight bearing, improved hand-eye coordination and a reduction in hypertonicity and drooling. 

Nutritional Supplements

People with cerebral palsy burn three to five times more calories during the course of the day then typically developed people and malnutrition can be a real problem. Plus, just the act of eating is more of a challenge because of the requirement for fine motor skills to manipulate eating utensils and even chewing. Special nutritions supplements are available by prescription, so if you are worried about your child's diet, make sure to contact your cerebral palsy specialist. 

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the mainstays in the treatment of cerebral palsy. Therapy usually begins in the first few years of the child's life or as soon as the diagnosis is made. A physical therapist will help children with cerebral palsy learn to use the large muscle groups better, allowing them to do things that might otherwise be impossible such as walking, climbing stairs or even standing by themselves, unsupported. Physical therapists will also help keep muscles from deteriorating from lack of use and avoid contractures, when the muscles become abnormally fixed in a rigid state. 

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills and helps kids with cerebral palsy develop these, which can be extremely challenging. Kids will learn to grasp, release and even write. They can also help with activities of daily living, including bathing, toileting, getting dressed and eating.

Article Tags: Cerebral Palsy

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