Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Adults with Cerebral Palsy

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a physical disability that affects an individual’s movement and posture. This is the result of a problem with the brain that happens either before, during or soon after birth. During these stages the brain can be damaged or not develop normally, the cause is not always clear.

It is known to affect around 1 in 400 babies born in the UK with around 1,700 new cases every year.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

The effects of CP can vary greatly from person to person depending on the location and degree of damage to the brain. Common symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscles spasms and spasticity
• Stiff muscles which can lead to contractures
• Loss of balance and coordination, also known as ataxia
• Slow, writhing movements
• Difficulty with everyday activities
• Abnormal walking patterns
• Frequent falls
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Involuntary movements of the head, arms or legs
• Pain
• Fatigue

Adulthood and cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition which will often affect an individual in different ways throughout their life. Although CP is not a progressive neurological condition, the many musculoskeletal impacts will change with age.

As a child transitions into adulthood, the physical and mental demands they face are likely to also change. This comes with the challenges of carrying out further education, entering the workforce and generally living more independently.

People with CP can use three to five times more energy than people without the condition to complete their day-to-day activities. This can place extra strain on the body resulting in higher levels of joint and mobility problems.

Neuro Physiotherapy for Cerebral palsy

Here at Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy, we work with individuals with cerebral palsy transitioning into adulthood as well as older adults who have been living with the condition for much longer.

We understand people with CP will have their own unique challenges and we are here to listen and assess how these challenges affect your day-to-day life. We aim to help people with Cerebral Palsy to:

• Maximise and improve their mobility and walking
• Live as independently as possible
• Improve confidence to become more active
• Manage and improve any pain or discomfort which may be present
• Identify and solve problems to help maintain mobility for the longer term

If you or a loved one suffers from Cerebral Palsy and would like to find out how we can help, please get in touch.

We are able to provide treatment at our fully equipped rehabilitation centre in Ormskirk or in the comfort of your own home or care home. Sessions carried out in your own home or care home will allow us to fully assess your environment and can offer recommendations for equipment where appropriate.

As a team of physiotherapists, we are able to provide home visits across the northwest including all areas of Liverpool, Southport, St Helens, Ormskirk and surrounding areas.

Patients visiting our rehabilitation centre will find accessible parking and toilet facilities.

Links and further information

• NHS Choices: Causes, types and symptoms of cerebral palsy
• Scope: UK disability charity with a focus on cerebral palsy. Helpline: 0808 800 3333
• Contact: UK charity for families with disabled children. Telephone: 020 7608 8700

For all enquiries please call our friendly reception team on 01695 574317 or make an Online Enquiry