Mobility and Rehabilitation

Attention to mobility and rehabilitation will maximize a child’s ability to be move about and function. Children with motor impairment have a difficult time making limbs, muscles, tendons, and ligaments perform together in the manner that appears to come easily for those without motor impairment. Movement, coordination, control, posture and balance are hampered by constrictions, muscle tone, reflex irregularity and spasticity. Physical therapy, recreation, rehabilitation and play are components incorporated into the home care routine to improve these conditions.

Mobility and motor impairment assessments will establish the severity, extent, and location of impairment. Orthopedic practitioners and physical therapists work together to create a plan to improve movement, coordination, muscle tone, and spasticity. A child with cerebral palsy will still grow and develop, but likely with delay.

Motor skill development analysis is assessed over time to gauge key developmental milestones and mobility plan success. Plans often involve exercise and assignments to be performed at home on a regular basis. Sometimes assistive technology and services may be required.

Common motor impairment in individuals with cerebral palsy include:

  • Abnormal muscle tone
  • Ambulation impairment
  • Movement coordination and control
  • Reflex irregularity
  • Posture
  • Balance
  • Gross motor function
  • Fine motor function
  • Oromotor function

The results of mobility and motor impairment evaluations help professionals formulate a mobility plan and put necessary supports, which may be adjusted over time, in place. Reinforcements, such as range of motion exercises, assistive mobility devices, and ergonomic environments, reduce barriers to mobility.

Mobility plans may include:

  • Adaptive equipment
  • Alternative mobility means
  • Assistive technology devices and services
  • Ergonomic environments (design to reduce discomfort/injury)
  • Fitness routines and exercises
  • Functional skill reinforcements
  • Home and vehicle modifications
  • Home, school, work, and community accessibility
  • Pain management
  • Powered mobility
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Recreational skills reinforcements
  • Short- and long-term mobility goals
  • Physical therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Recreation and play therapy
  • Work skills reinforcements

The benefits of improving and maintaining mobility, as experienced by individuals with cerebral palsy can be life-altering. Benefits include:

  • Self-esteem
  • Independence
  • Quality of life
  • Productivity
  • Confidence
  • Equal opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Inclusion
  • Ability to work, travel, school, play and socialize

At times, therapists may visit the child’s home to consult, assess and help the family with therapeutic needs. These practitioners work closely with the child’s primary care physician to set, implement, and evaluate care plan goals. Experts that may visit your home to assist with mobility include:

  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Vocational therapists
  • Home modification experts
  • Adaptive equipment and assistive technology procurement experts

Sometimes, the child may visit the therapist outside the home, but will require the child – likely with help from parents or caregivers – to perform the therapy at home regularly. Health insurance may dictate the type of services, and the number of sessions available to the child. The primary care physician will prescribe and coordinate care with the insurance providers.

RESOURCES Physical, Recreational, Rehabilitation and Play Therapy

Helpful industry organizations in the fields of physical, recreational, rehabilitation and play therapy include:

RESOURCES How MyChild™ Can Help

Knowing about resources and opportunities can make a difference, but knowing how to find and qualify for those resources is key.

MyChild™ recognizes that families touched by cerebral palsy are busy. Raising a child with mobility impairment requires doctor visits, treatments, therapies, and a host of responsibilities within the home, school, and community. MyChild™ hopes to help. Your time is precious.

Over the years, MyChild™ has expanded our database of contacts, information, and resources, which may be of assistance. We share general information online, but also offer a wealth of state and local information that may be more appropriate to particular circumstances and an individual child’s needs through our call center.

MyChild™ operates a call center to efficiently assist parents and others with questions and concerns. Call 1-800-MyChild (1-800-692-4453) for resources within your community, based on your family’s particular circumstances.