One of the most common neurological problems in children is Cerebral Palsy (CP).  This term refers to some type of brain trauma in utero, during child birth, or shortly after childbirth. This brain trauma can result in muscles that are too stiff making it difficult to move. Some kids can have muscles that are not stiff enough. Other children may have muscles effected more on one side of their body than the other.

     In either case, the handling techniqes and exercises supported by the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association™ (NDTA) can be very helpful. (See "Certifications").  These techniques focus on hand placement and handling techniques to help reduce muscle stiffness, and/or to enhance postural tone and to facilitate more fluid and coordinated movements. 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Further, since studying the concepts of the Postural Restoration Institute^® I've begun to bring this TWIST in thinking to a neurologically involved population. Kids with neurological challenges have respiratory diaphragms too. This at times is overlooked in order to focus on walking or quality of movement. But if you can't breathe, you can't move or walk!  

     Some children with cerebral palsy suffer a higher incidence of respiratory dysfunction such as holding onto a cold longer, labored breathing, and recurrent pneumonia.¹ They may tend to use their respiratory diaphragm more for postural support instead of using postural muscles for posture and letting the diaphragm be a breathing muscle. Positioning, handling, focus on breathing patterns, and sometimes external devices (tape, strapping, spandex) can help attain improve respiratory function for improved quality of movement and overall health. 

     For further information, please feel free to contact me using the information in "Contact Me", or use the "Ask the Expert" page to submit a question. Thank you.

 

Reference

1. Lee, HY, Cha, YJ, Kim, K. The effect of feedback respiratory training on pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled prelminary report. Clinical Rehabilitation, 2014. 28(10) 965-971.