Cerebral palsy and the orthotic approach
An overview of symptoms, the process and supportive orthotic options for movement and posture difficulties that appear in early childhood.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong movement and posture condition that arises when the areas of the developing brain that regulate movement and posture are affected. Symptoms are usually noticed in infancy or early childhood and may appear at different levels from person to person.
It may present in different ways, such as muscle tension, difficulty controlling movements and difficulty with balance. The approach is multifaceted; physiotherapy, occupational therapy, lifestyle adjustments and, where considered appropriate, supportive orthoses are planned through teamwork. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are made only through a physician's assessment.
How are movement and posture affected?
Difficulty in the brain's regular transmission of the signals that direct the muscles may lead to changes in muscle tone and in the fluency of movement. This may affect daily activities such as walking, sitting and reaching for objects to different degrees.
- Increased tension or looseness in the muscles
- Difficulty with the control and timing of movements
- Changes in balance, posture and walking pattern
Types of symptoms that may be seen
Symptoms and their severity vary from person to person; which picture is present and to what degree is determined through a physician's assessment.
Spasticity
Increased tension in the muscles may lead to stiffer movements and reduced joint range of motion.
Dyskinesia
Involuntary, fluctuating movements may make activities such as sitting and holding objects more difficult.
Ataxia
Difficulty with balance and coordination may be noticeable in walking and fine movements.
Postural changes
Muscle imbalance may, over time, lead to misalignments in the joints and posture.
The role of early assessment
Assessment carried out at an early stage helps in planning support options suited to the person's developmental level. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are among the fundamental approaches for supporting movement skills; where considered appropriate, orthoses are considered as part of this plan.
A classification describing level of mobility
The gross motor function classification is an informative framework that helps describe a person's level of mobility in five general levels. The individual assessment is made by the physician.
Level I
Walking without limitation; more advanced skills are reduced
Level II
Walking is possible; support may be needed in some settings
Level III
Walking with hand-held mobility devices
Level IV
More extensive support for mobility
Level V
Intensive support for posture and mobility
The supportive role of the orthosis
As part of the treatment plan, orthoses may be considered to maintain joint alignment, support posture and contribute to movement skills. Different solutions, such as ankle-foot orthoses and trunk and seating supports, are planned according to the person's condition.
- Supporting joint alignment and posture
- Contributing to comfort in walking and daily activities
- The orthosis is selected according to the person's level of mobility and the physician's assessment
The orthosis fitting process
Physician's Assessment
The process begins with a specialist physician's assessment and a prescription/medical report.
Measurement and Planning
The person's developmental level and mobility needs are assessed; the appropriate type of orthosis and the service plan are determined.
Fitting and Adaptation
The orthosis is fitted; fit and adjustments are made individually.
Follow-up
Training in use is provided; check-ups and adjustments are provided for growth and changing needs.
Daily life and independence
Appropriate support and regular follow-up aim to support the person's participation in daily activities and their independence. The family, therapist and physician working together helps update goals according to the person's age and development.
Frequently asked questions
Does an orthosis treat cerebral palsy?
Orthoses are a supportive part of the treatment plan; the aim is to support posture and movement skills. Results vary from person to person and are determined through a physician's assessment.
Will my child's orthosis change as they grow?
Needs may change during growth and development; the fit of the orthosis is reviewed at regular check-ups and adjusted when necessary.
Is it used together with physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy play an important role in supporting movement skills. The program and orthosis use are planned together under the guidance of the physician and therapist.
This content is for informational purposes; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. Applications are carried out at our licensed center locations in line with a specialist physician's prescription/medical report.
