Cerebral Palsy support at Shine

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that stems from an injury to the brain before or shortly after birth. There are many different presentations of cerebral palsy and different kids will have different goals depending on their presentation, special interest areas, hobbies and daily living tasks.

Physiotherapy can help children with CP by doing task specific training in line with their goals or meaningful activities, improving muscle control, strength, mobility, assisting kids with pain management strategies, helping with constipation or other pelvic health concerns and more. It is an important therapy to incorporate both before and after medical management such as surgery. 

Occupational Therapy can help children with CP by working on fine motor skills, activities of daily living and upper limb function/ coordination. They can assist with adaptive equipment and devices to make their tasks easier.  

Speech Therapy can help kids with CP who may have difficulty with articulation, swallowing, chewing, and overall function of their mouth and throat. They can provide tips on feeding and help them communicate more easily!

Counselling (play therapy) can help kids with acceptance and commitment therapy, addressing anxiety, depression, fears and frustrations that come with the diagnosis and experiences in the medical system.

All the therapists at Shine value a child and family first approach to therapy. Not everything will be a good fit or priority for every child and it's important to develop a therapy routine that works for your family. This may change year to year, month to month, as your child grows and as life happens! We maintain this flexibility throughout the therapy journey.

Happy CP awareness month! We can't wait to see you SHINE!