World Cerebral Palsy Day: Wear Green On October 6th to Show Your Support!

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. It is defined as a disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture that is caused by damage that occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth. Signs and symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years. More than 17 million people around the world have cerebral palsy. Statistics show us that one in 700 babies are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Within that group with cerebral palsy, 75% of them have chronic pain. One in three people with cerebral palsy cannot walk and one in five people with cerebral palsy cannot talk. This number is expected to increase, and most people with cerebral palsy will survive into adulthood.

Adults with cerebral palsy frequently experience premature aging. They may experience declining function at different stages of their life, and there is a potential for decreased mobility, increase in deformities, osteoporosis, and pain issues.  Adults with cerebral palsy are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles due to these impairment and activity limitations and are at greater risk of having four to five chronic health conditions compared to non-disabled adults. These chronic conditions can include diabetes, hypertension, stoke, asthma, emphysema, joint pain, and arthritis.  The rate of depression is four times higher in adults with disabilities like cerebral palsy. Appropriate interdisciplinary management throughout their lifetime has the potential to prevent these secondary impairments and improve their quality of life as well as their caregiver’s quality of life. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and fitness.

At Sheltering Arms, we have recognized the need for specialization of treatment for this growing population of adults with cerebral palsy. A program has been created to suit their unique needs with experienced therapists that specialize in this area. Services available include:

A virtual support group for adults with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities led by Sheltering Arms physical therapists exists to connect members of this community in a virtual format.

To learn more about our therapy treatment options and support group for cerebral palsy, please call (804) 764-1000 or Send us a message.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021 is World Cerebral Palsy Day. To learn more about this movement, visit worldcpday.org. We encourage you to wear green on this day to help spread awareness and encourage inclusiveness of those with cerebral palsy.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

How to Maximize Physical Therapy Visits from Insurance

As a new year begins, so do new health insurance deductibles and benefits. It’s important to be aware of your healthcare expenses to plan for the year ahead. For those seeking physical rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, it’s important to remember that health insurance may not cover unlimited sessions. Understanding how to make the most of your visits covered by insurance is key to maximizing your benefits. Read on to learn how you can get the most out of your therapy visits while extending the time spent on your recovery to achieve your goals.

Tips To Cure Winter Boredom

It’s common to feel bored during the winter months when you’re spending more time indoors and routines shift. However, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and have fun at home. From boosting mental sharpness to connecting with others, these activities can help turn boredom into an opportunity for growth and enjoyment.

Identifying & Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

An injury to the rotator cuff, or the group of four muscles that help to stabilize your shoulder and allow you to move your arm different directions such as overhead and behind your back, is a common cause of pain among adults. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of adults over age 60 have a rotator cuff tear. Rotator injuries can occur from a traumatic event like a fall; however, it is also common for rotator cuff injuries to develop over time from repetitive use.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Scoliosis

Imagine seeing a tree defiantly growing sideways in your yard, prompting thoughts of how to redirect its growth. In a parallel scenario, teenagers with scoliosis exhibit a noticeable trunk shift in their posture. However, the journey to rectifying their upright stance delves into a realm of complexity and intricacy. Proprioception, the body’s innate sense of movement and position, is the key to unlocking proper posture. Through targeted exercises and activities that enhance balance, coordination, and body awareness, we can reshape the way the brain perceives postural alignment.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.