12 Nov Helping Children with Mild Cerebral Palsy Walk Better!

At My Favourite Physio, we see many children with Cerebral Palsy for physiotherapy. Every child is a unique individual with different interests and abilities. For children  with mild Cerebral Palsy, one of the question we consider is, how can we equip and support them to become more active and independent while promoting optimal bone and muscle development? 

5 Treatment Options to help Children with mild Cerebral Plays walk better:
1. Serial Casting – There are two treatment options, based on the specific goal for each child,
(a) Casting is used to correct foot bone positions to prevent midfoot collapse;
(b) Casting is used to stretch and length calf muscles.

2. Foot Orthotics – Working closely with an Orthotist, various types of foot Orthotics are customised for each child,
(a) Ankle Foot Orthosis – these orthotics can come in hinged or fixed, to allow ankle joint movement or not
(b) Insole Orthosis – these orthotics sit inside the shoe and provide support to the foot bones only, allowing free movement of the ankle joint. 

3. Orthotic Garment Systems – These are customised orthotic garments that provide dynamic support the leg muscles and improve muscle control and walking patterns. 

4. Dictus Band – These are ankle supports that prevent foot drop and encourage dynamic heel strike while walking. It is less restrictive than Ankle Foot Orthoses. 

5. Walkaide – This is a device that using Functional Electrical Stimulation to cause the leg muscles to actively contract and lift the foot up and heel strike while walking. This is suitable for children with mild Cerebral Palsy who have range in their ankle joint and would love to able to participate in sports. 

The above 5 treatment options can be used in combination over time for each child. 

So if you have a child with  mild Cerebral Palsy and is wondering how can you help your child walk better or be able to participate more in activities they enjoy, ring My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 to speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist today!