Motor Techniques for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a number of neurological disorders that effect body movement and muscle coordination. People with CP have less developed gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills include activities like walking and running. Fine motor skills require the use of small muscles like those in fingers and toes. Cutting paper is an example of a fine motor skill. There is no cure for cerebral palsy but many methods of CP treatment exist. Some CP treatments teach motor techniques, which focus on improving gross and fine motor skills.

Physical Therapy

• Motor techniques taught in physical therapy usually focus on improving gross motor skills. The kind of motor techniques used vary case to case because each individual with cerebral palsy has his own unique limitations. Therapy is made available through a doctor's prescription and is offered at a variety of places such as schools, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.
  Physical therapy can be either land therapy or aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy can be extra beneficial to someone with CP because the water relieves tension normally placed on the body.
  An example of a specific motor technique used in physical therapy would be correcting gait, the manner in how you walk.

Occupational Therapy

• Occupational therapy, a treatment focusing on improving quality of life by making the patient more independent, is more likely to focus on fine motor skills. Like physical therapy, occupational therapy is available through a doctor's order and can be administered at places like school and rehabilitation centers. Typing is a fine motor skill that a therapist may focus on in occupational therapy. Specially shaped keyboards might be used to aid the patient in improving her skill at typing.

The Right Treatment for You

• The proper CP treatment and motor techniques for you or your child with cerebral palsy will depend on your individual case. Talk to your doctor about what CP treatment and motor techniques will be best for you.