A crucial, lifelong component of management. Aims to optimize motor function, prevent secondary complications, maximize independence, and improve quality of life.
- Early Intervention & Developmental Facilitation:
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT): Facilitating typical movement patterns, inhibiting abnormal tone and reflexes.
- Range of Motion (ROM): Passive/active-assisted stretching to prevent contractures, manage spasticity, and improve flexibility.
- Postural Management: Using adaptive equipment (e.g., specialized seating, standing frames, gait trainers, sleep systems) to promote proper alignment, prevent deformities (like scoliosis), and facilitate function.
- Motor Skill & Functional Training:
- Gross Motor Skills: Tailored exercises to improve rolling, sitting balance, crawling, kneeling, standing, and walking (if possible).
- Gait Training: For ambulating individuals, focusing on improving stride length, speed, balance, and reducing compensatory patterns. May involve partial weight-bearing treadmill training.
- Balance & Coordination: Progressive exercises on stable and unstable surfaces, incorporating dynamic activities.
- Strengthening: Exercises to improve muscle strength, addressing weakness and spasticity-related imbalances. Often uses body weight, resistance bands, or light weights.
- Spasticity Management:-
- Stretching & Positioning: Consistent stretching and proper positioning to minimize muscle tightness and spasticity.
- Modalities: Therapeutic modalities (e.g., heat, TENS) to help manage pain and muscle spasms.
- Respiratory Management:
- Airway Clearance Techniques: If respiratory muscles are affected or there’s increased risk of aspiration, gentle percussion, vibrations, or assisted cough techniques may be used.
- Breathing Exercises: To improve respiratory muscle strength and efficiency.
