How to Strengthen Muscles With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination. The majority of CP cases develop while in utero. Fetal damage, like a fetal stroke, or birth complications, such as a lack of oxygen at birth, are ways CP develops. A common symptom of CP is weak muscles. Strengthening muscles in CP patients is difficult, but can be done. There is no one method for strengthening muscles in CP patients because each case of CP is different. Consulting a medical professional about strengthening muscles for you or your loved one with CP is the best starting point for muscle strengthening (See References 2).

Things You'll Need

• Prescription for therapy

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Instructions

• 1

  Discuss with your doctor muscle strengthening for you or your loved one with CP. Your doctor will likely write you a prescription for therapy, like physical therapy or aquatic therapy, and suggest a hospital, rehabilitation center or another facility that offers therapy.

• 2

  Follow up on your doctor's suggestion and meet with a therapist for therapy. Working with one therapist on a regular basis will improve the efficiency of therapy sessions.

• 3

  Set goals for strengthening muscles. The therapist will be able to provide exercise routines that will help you work toward reaching your goals.

• 4

  Evaluate your progress. As you achieve your goals, set new goals so you continue strengthening muscles.

• 5

  Continue the cycle of setting goals, measuring progress and setting new goals. CP is a lifelong infliction and muscles will continuously need to be worked.