Physical therapy aims to treat and improve movement disorders and body function. The major problems associated with cerebral palsy usually involve the muscles, bones and nervous system. Physical therapists thoroughly assess each person's abilities, disabilities and potential for improvement. Once they have created a physical therapy plan, they use different therapy combinations to reduce disabilities, capitalize on abilities and achieve functional improvement. Exercise, heat, electrical impulses and muscle manipulation are examples of typical therapies. Physical therapists will also teach caregivers of people with cerebral palsy how to assist in physical therapy at home.

For the majority of cerebral palsy victims a physical therapist's main goal will be to reduce muscle spasticity. Muscle spasticity means muscles remain stiff and sometimes contracted. Muscle stiffness inhibits movement required for mobility. Mobility is a person with cerebral palsy's best chance for greater independence. To combat spasticity, physical therapists exercise and stretch muscles regularly. They prescribe structured physical activity and sometimes use sprints or braces to assist in reducing contracture.