Children with disabilities often have a very specific set of needs and requirements. This is especially true for those children born with cerebral palsy and other debilitating conditions. While therapy can often help with cerebral palsy and many other things, every child is different and presents a unique set of circumstances, which is why a custom therapy plan is often so important.
The first thing any physical therapist will do is evaluate the child based on his or her current condition. Specific activities will be observed and noted for future reference. This lets the therapist know the child’s strong points and those that need to be worked on. In this manner, a customized therapy plan can be created so that the child gains the best possible results at his or her own pace.
Physical therapy for children is a specialized field of study within the physical therapy community. While the instructed techniques, movements, and stretches are the same from doctor to doctor, the approach is what differs among professionals. For instance, perhaps your child is weaker on the left side. An individualized program allows the therapist to target this trouble area while, at the same time, strengthening the others.
Once your child has been evaluated, the therapist will sit with you to come up with a plan that maximizes your child’s potential. Weaker areas will be identified and effectively targeted through a unique and individual plan for success, leaving room for adjustment as needed in the custom therapy plan. Periodic assessments will track the progress of the treatment.
Most public school systems offer physical therapy through their Special Education programs at no charge, pursuant to federal law. These programs of individualized custom therapy can give your child a chance to achieve the best potential results. The child is more apt to reach pre-determined goals and gain confidence along the way with this sort of planning and strategy.
Programs of physical therapy for children can start early in the child’s life. The individual therapy plan also helps the child in achieving certain goals and objectives. Once these goals are reached, new goals can be set to challenge the child on an individual basis.
For more information about building a custom therapy plan for your child or someone you know, contact us at napacentre.co.uk.
