What is asymmetrical cerebral palsy?
Asymmetrical cerebral palsy is a type of CP that affects movement differently on each side of the body. Hemiplegic CP and monoplegic CP are types of CP which affect one side of the body only. However, even in CP which affects both sides of the body, there are usually differences in each side. In diplegic CP, quadriplegic CP and tetraplegic CP it is common to have differences in strength when comparing right and left sides. Find out more about our interventions for cerebral palsy here.
Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
CIMT is a method used to strengthen the pathways in the nervous system on the affected side of the body which leads to strengthening the weaker side of the body. The technique is carried out by restraining the stronger limb, which forces the use of the affected limb during everyday activities.
When working with young children and children with learning disabilities, we understand the difficulties of restraining the stronger limb. We alter each programme depending on the child’s needs. With younger children, we take turns using our ‘super-strong hand’ and our ‘strong hand’, to enable achievement and minimise frustration. We use experience and clinical skills to choose exciting but realistic and simple toys to use with the affected hand, and have a ‘right-hand toy box’ for use only with the affected hand. With our special adaptations, goals are achieved with minimal frustration, and we keep children’s motivation high.
At Bumble Bee Physio, we are passionate about CIMT and have seen excellent results with our clients. Every child is different, and we use techniques involving CIMT during therapy sessions, in school, or included in children’s programmes to carry out with their parents.
To find out how we can help your CP superhero, have a chat with us.