Physical Therapy to Keep Your Child Healthy and Fit for Life
Adding physical therapy to your child’s hectic routine might seem like one more task on a very long “to-do” list. However, physical therapy takes many forms, and all children with cerebral palsy benefit greatly from it. You will happy you took the time.
What types of therapy your child will benefit from depend on her physical needs.
Keeping your child’s muscles flexible is a key form of physical therapy. If your child has spastic muscles, she’ll feel better and be stronger when they are worked and stretched on a regular basis.
A physical therapist can also design special equipment for your child should it be necessary.
Physical therapy can help your child learn how to do activities that he may not otherwise be able to do:
- Walking
- Using a wheelchair
- Using a walker or braces
- Standing
- Climbing stairs
- Using gross motor skills and balance to kick and throw a ball or ride a bike
When your child has cerebral palsy, it’s hard for you as a parent to teach him these tasks. He has special requirements and a unique learning style. It’s important for both you and your child to engage her in therapy with a specialist.
Occupational Therapy to Nurture Your Child’s Long Term Independence
When you think of getting older and your child growing up, you want to know that she will be as self-sufficient as possible. This is where an occupational therapist comes in. She will teach your child how to care for herself and establish a sense of independence.
Imagine your child’s delight when she learns how to use the restroom by herself. Or she masters pulling her shirt over her head without your help. These milestones will not only make her life—and yours—easier, but your child’s self-esteem will greatly improve.
Speech Therapy to Help Your Child Interact with the World
A speech therapist can help your child improve her communication skills. These specialists teach your child how to:
- Carry on a conversation and give appropriate non-verbal cues (e.g. eye contact)
- Make important facial expressions
- Speak more clearly
A speech therapist can also help your child strengthen her facial muscles if she has trouble eating or swallowing. This is especially important if your child is not getting enough nutrients at each meal. If she struggles to eat properly, she may become malnourished and fail to thrive.
Mix it Up! Recreational Therapy is a Fun and Social Alternative
This type of therapy lets out the inner ballerina or slugger in your child. She can dance her heart out or throw a soft ball like the other kids do. It’s thrilling to watch a recreational therapist help your child develop athletic abilities that she might not be able to otherwise explore.
Of course, not all children are athletic. If yours isn’t, perhaps he will find his inner Picasso, plant flowers, stitch a quilt, or do nearly any other hobby he finds interesting.
When children with CP have the opportunity to play with one another in a safe environment, they realize that they are not alone. They realize that they can have fun “just like the other kids.” What would this kind of experience mean to your child?
Whatever type of physical therapy you choose, you and your family will reap the joy of a healthier and happier child.
Let Your Child Reap the Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, while expensive, is a powerful tool to help your child thrive. And you do have the power to ensure your child has adequate resources to live a healthy and happy life, because you know and understand the needs of your child like no one else.
You also need to know that your medical team did everything possible to keep your baby safe and healthy. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to financial help.
Be your child’s best advocate and talk to an expert.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
