Why is occupational therapy considered to be the prime treatment for cerebral palsy?
On February 01, 2024
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You need to note that cerebral palsy is one of the most common causes of neurological impairment in children that can cause lifelong disability if not treated correctly. Experts in the field also point out that sensory, motor, speech, and other cognitive impairments are also experienced by children who have cerebral palsy. Occupational therapist, being specialized in treating sensory, motor and cognitive impairments, is the prime treatment for cerebral palsy.
If you are a parent to a
young child who is suffering from cerebral palsy, we can well understand how
difficult it might be for you. We also know that you must be desperately
seeking the best treatment for treating the problem. Latest studies show that children’s
occupational therapy is being found to be one of the most effective
treatments for treating cerebral palsy. Depending on the severity of the
problems, results may vary, but in general, occupational therapy is the
most effective treatment. So let us first try to understand some facts about
cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy in
children- facts
Cerebral palsy results
from neurological impairment at or around birth. Hypoxia, forceps delivery,
delayed birth cry, neonatal jaundice are among many reasons. Diplegia is a
common type of cerebral palsy in which lower extremities are more affected than
the upper extremities. It can be pure motor or multiple disability.
Occupational therapy is the main treatment as it adopts holistic view of
managing the treatment.
Getting
dependent on caregivers – what you will not want
You
will also sometimes find that owing to the functional limitations experienced,
some children with cerebral palsy depend on others for assistance with daily
activities. These can often lead to long-term caregiving far exceeding the
typical needs of developing children. What might get you worried about is
providing the high level of care required by a child with long-term functional
limitations. It can become pretty burdensome in the long run; it might affect
the caregiver's physical and psychological health. We are sure getting
dependent on others is the last thing you will want for your child. Is it not?
You will surely want your child to be self-dependent, will you not? If treated
rightly with occupational therapy under a renowned occupational
therapist, your child will be better off doing all basic activities
themself.
What is
occupational therapy about?
The word “occupation” in occupational
therapy does not refer to one’s profession. It instead denotes the everyday
activities that give life meaning. If you look at it from a child's
perspective, these meaningful activities will include playing and learning. You
also need to note that Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on improving the
child's ability to play and learn, which are essential for development and
becoming independent.
Occupational therapy can help with
muscle and joint coordination issues for children who have cerebral palsy.
These are issues that can make
everyday tasks difficult. Some of these tasks include daily activities,
including eating, brushing teeth, and bathing. With the help of this therapy,
it can help to improve physical, cognitive, and social abilities, fine motor
skills, and posture. Apart from this, it can also help address difficulties
with processing sensory information.
Conclusion
To sum up, we can say that cerebral
palsy can be a disabling condition if left untreated. This is problem of many amongst
children, and it is where occupational therapy can help significantly.
So get in touch with us at Sensational child clinic to derive maximum benefits
from occupational therapy.