Treatments

Patients seen in our clinics receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine treatment goals and options. In setting treatment goals, ability is emphasized over disability. Patients and their families are an integral part of the decision-making process and treatments are tailored to meet the individual patient’s goals and needs.

For some people, the clinical features of cerebral palsy, such as spasticity or dystonia, create musculoskeletal problems that impair function and limit daily activities. An individually designed treatment program can make life easier and improve function. Many adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy, however, typically go to school, work and play without needing intervention.

We offer comprehensive treatment programs for children and adults of all ages.

Not everyone who has cerebral palsy requires ongoing treatment. During growth, children with cerebral palsy require monitoring by an orthopedic surgeon to ensure proper development of their bones and muscles. Such monitoring usually stops once skeletal growth is complete. Adolescents and adults may need less frequent orthopaedic assessments, but can benefit from other treatment modalities. Our team's goal is to maximize our patients' independence with mobility, activities of daily living, and participation in different environments (home, school, work, and leisure). This may include reducing pain or increasing range of motion to better allow a patient's family to care for them safely.

Orthopaedic surgery is considered carefully and in the context of a patient's individual circumstances (both medical and personal) and with the patient and/or family's goals in mind. Non-surgical treatment options are always considered first.

Common non-surgical treatments for cerebral palsy include:

• Tone management
• Physical and occupational therapies
• Adaptive equipment (assistive devices and orthotics)