Supporting the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of individuals living with cerebral palsy through individualized therapies.
Innovative therapies, compassionate care
Sheltering Arms Institute offers an array of therapies and treatments to support adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy, helping individuals achieve the highest quality of life possible.
Individualized, goal-oriented care
At Sheltering Arms Institute, our physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists develop unique care plans designed around each individual’s capabilities and goals.
Cerebral palsy therapy services are offered at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Bon Air and Hanover outpatient centers conveniently located throughout Richmond and Central Virginia.
A variety of therapies are available to support the unique needs of each individual.
Exercises designed to support muscle strength, spasticity management, flexibility, balance, motor development, and mobility.
Therapies aimed at helping people with cerebral palsy achieve optimal independence with activities of daily living, self-esteem, and quality of life at home and/or school.
Changes in communication and swallowing may occur in individuals with cerebral palsy due to aging, injury, or illness. Our speech-language pathologists design customized treatments if and when these changes occur.
Through our continuum of care at Sheltering Arms, the Club Rec day recreation program provides activities to support the development of social skills and emotional well-being among individuals with cerebral palsy.
The care we receive at Sheltering Arms Institute is beyond impressive…it is amazing. My daughter receives services that not only help her physically, but mentally as well. She sees a physical therapist monthly and attends an evening support group for those with cerebral palsy. The staff are well trained and up-to-date with their knowledge on how to best treat the client.
Committed to quality of life
At Sheltering Arms Institute, we work to support the therapeutic needs of adolescents and adults living with cerebral palsy so they can achieve the highest levels of quality of life.
Patients receiving care for a neurological condition at Sheltering Arms Institute, on average, achieve a 30% improvement in their gait speed and an 18% increase in distance walked during the six-minute walk test throughout the course of their therapy. poor sleeping positions can aggravate these symptoms.
At Sheltering Arms Institute, expert clinicians collaborate to build treatment plans that cater to each individual’s symptoms, abilities, interests, and goals.
Sheltering Arms Institute clinicians utilize a wide range of techniques and technologies, including electrical stimulation and vibration plate to manage spasticity, to deliver therapies and are continually adding new, innovative strategies backed by scientific research and testing.
97% of patients would recommend Sheltering Arms Institute to their friends and loved ones.
At Sheltering Arms Institute, we work to provide care tailored to the specific needs of someone with cerebral palsy through evidence-based interventions, appropriate technology, and a team of caring and expert clinicians.
Understanding cerebral palsy therapy
Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect an individual’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture and is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain (CDC).
There are four main types of cerebral palsy:
4. Mixed cerebral palsy
Symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely and include stiff muscles, uncontrollable movements, weak arms or legs, delays in achieving developmental milestones, speech and swallowing disorders, and more.
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, physical, occupational, speech-language, and recreational therapies can help individuals manage their condition.
There are many technologies available at Sheltering Arms Institute for people with CP. Your therapist will first perform an evaluation to determine what technology may help your specific needs as well as check that each device is safe for you to use given certain medical conditions you may have. Technologies often used include electrical stimulation, vibration plate or wand, bodyweight support systems, safety systems or harnesses, robotics, and balance equipment such as computers or force plates to add balance challenges.
Typically, an episode of therapy lasts between 4 and 12 weeks. Afterwards, check-in sessions usually occur a few times per year, which allows your therapist to use episodic care to help monitor functional changes and manage injuries or new concerns as needed.
Start your Journey
Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.
