Why children with cerebral palsy need three therapies, explained by Mumbai paediatrician

On the occasion of World Cerebral Palsy Day, Dr Shruti Ghatalia, a paediatrician at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, explained why physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are important for children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition linked to the brain. It can affect a child's movements, muscle strength and control, body balance and the coordination of different parts of the body. It can occur if there is a problem in the development of the brain before birth, at the time of birth or in early childhood, or if the brain is injured.

Symptoms are not the same in every child. A child's muscles may be very stiff or very weak. Some children may have difficulty walking or keeping their balance, and the movements of some may differ from the usual. There may also be trouble with hand movements, such as holding things or writing.

Some children cannot speak clearly or have difficulty communicating with others. Some may have trouble swallowing food or water. Parents should therefore not ignore such symptoms in a child. Treatment can be sought from Dr Ghatalia.

According to Dr Ghatalia, parents need to understand that therapy plays a big part in the development of children with cerebral palsy. With the right therapy, children can do their tasks better, and it can help reduce their dependence on others in daily life.

On physiotherapy, she said it helps improve a child's body movements. It focuses on building muscle strength, improving balance, making movement easier, keeping the body flexible and improving the ability to walk. Regular exercise under the supervision of specialists can improve children's physical ability. Walking, standing up, sitting and other everyday movements can become relatively easier.

On occupational therapy, Dr Ghatalia said it helps teach children the skills needed to do daily tasks on their own. These include, for example, eating by themselves, dressing, writing, playing, holding things and using the hands properly. This therapy can gradually give children the confidence to do things themselves and make them more independent.

Speech therapy can be useful for children who have difficulty speaking or cannot speak clearly. Some children find it hard to tell others their needs or feelings. Speech therapy can help develop communication skills in such children. For children who have trouble swallowing food or water, specialists can help teach the right way to eat and swallow safely.

Dr Ghatalia also said that the problems and needs of every child with cerebral palsy are different. It is therefore not necessarily right to use the same therapy or the same treatment for every child. A therapy plan should be made after looking at the child's symptoms, development, difficulties and goals. Doctors and therapists can understand the child's needs and suggest the right therapy and exercises. For parents, it is important to continue therapy regularly and follow the specialists' instructions.

According to her, not only doctors or therapists but also parents, family members, teachers and caregivers have a big role in a child's progress. If all help together, it can become easier for the child to go to school, play with other children and take part in everyday things at home. Parents should not compare their child with other children, because each child may progress at a different pace. It is therefore important to be patient and to encourage the child regularly.

Dr Ghatalia said cerebral palsy is a condition in which a child may need help and therapy for a long time. But if specialist advice is taken at the right time and the right therapy is started, it can help improve the child's movements, ability to do daily tasks, ability to communicate and confidence.