Therapy aims to provide medical treatment to a wide range of people. It comes in numerous forms, from occupational to speech, focusing on rehabilitating and improving various skills and behaviors. Depending on the person in need of therapy, different techniques work better than others. Whether you plan to carry out at-home practices or provide in-office medical support, here are three tips for creating a cerebral palsy therapy strategy in 2022.
Include Movement
Cerebral palsy affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Adding activities that strengthen the body lessens the risk of body impairment and helps those with cerebral palsy gain control over their physical motors. You can add movement to your therapy session in various ways, including adaptive sports, dancing, and yoga. Following cerebral palsy gait training also incorporates physical activities into a therapy session. One gait training technique to explore in 2022 is the use of horse riding simulators like the MiraColt, or actual horseriding. Riding horses heightens core strength and posture through the practice of balance.
Use the Water
Aquatherapy is a form of physical therapy consisting of water-based exercises. Being in the water creates buoyancy, allowing those with cerebral palsy to perform movements with more ease and less pain. Aquatherepay also strengthens muscles through the water’s resistance to movements underwater. Spending time at the pool further makes therapy sessions more enjoyable by changing the environment and adding an interactive counterpart.
Incorporate Play
Gamifying cerebral palsy therapy enhances one’s therapeutic experience by creating challenges, goals to reach, and entertainment. Some ways to incorporate play into your therapy strategy include VR games, block puzzles, using clay or playdough, and karaoke, among many other implementations. Combining play and games into cerebral palsy therapy improves communication, cognitive skills, and various motor abilities. Plus, when those undergoing therapy enjoy their sessions and tasks, they have more incentive to participate and continue their treatment.
On top of these three tips for creating a cerebral palsy therapy strategy in 2022, you also want to keep in mind the patient in question. Cerebral palsy symptoms look different in every person. Ensuring to cater the therapy to a specific individual provides them with the best care and treatment for their needs.
