What Therapies are Avaliable for my Child?

in cerebral palsy cp therapy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a frightening diagnosis for any parent to hear. It is a condition, not a birth defect or disease that is characterized by the brain's inability to control the movements of the body. CP is caused by some sort of damage to a child's brain, either during pregnancy, during birth, or just after birth. Sometimes these injuries are preventable and are caused by birth injuries. For instance, a doctor or midwife may allow the baby to stay in the birth canal too long, cutting off its oxygen supply to the brain.

The estimated lifetime cost of living with cerebral palsy is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control to be about $920,000 above the cost of living as a non-impaired person. Many of these costs are associated with treatments and equipment that parents must pay for, at least in part, out of pocket.

What Therapies Are Available?
A variety of treatments can mitigate the symptoms of cerebral palsy, although you must realize that there is no cure. Some of these treatments are traditional, while others are more experimental. You and your doctor will have to decide which ones work best for your child.

Exercise. The simplest treatment is exercise. Your child's movements may be limited, but strength, cardiovascular and flexibility training are all important for children with CP.

Physical therapy. Physical therapy helps your child learn new skills while staying as strong and fit as possible. A physical therapist might teach your child how to walk, for example, or ride a bicycle.

Water therapy. Children love to play in a pool, and children with CP are no different. What is different for them, though, is the release from gravity that gives your child some freedom from the debilitation that may come with walking or moving around. Plus, moving in the gentle resistance of the water builds strength and cardio capacity.

Horse therapy. Horses, like water, give your child a chance for freedom from the confines of the earth. Children love bonding with the animals, and riding is a great way to build balance and core strength.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. Although little scientific evidence exists for this treatment, it is becoming increasingly popular among parents of children with CP. HBO therapy involves placing the child in a hyperbaric, or high-pressure, oxygen chamber and letting him breathe pure oxygen for a period of time. The treatment is believed to improve motor control, as well as speech, vision and hearing.

These are just some of the therapies that may help your child live a little easier with their cerebral palsy. Many support organizations exist that can help you find treatment and financial aid. A cerebral palsy lawyer can also guide you if you think your child may be a victim of a Dallas birth injury. Don't let this overwhelm you. Seek out those who can help you and your child so that they can have the life they deserve.

RASANSKY LAW FIRM2525 McKinnon StreetDallas, Texas 75201CALL US AT 1 800 ATTORNEY (214) 747-HELP (4357)