What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement, posture and coordination due to injury or differences in the developing brain. It is generally considered a permanent condition, although the way it affects a person can change over time as they grow and develop. CP is the most common physical disability in childhood.

The effects of cerebral palsy can range from mild to more significant and may affect different parts of the body in different ways. Some people may mainly experience challenges with walking, balance or muscle control, while others may also have support needs relating to communication, learning, vision, hearing, feeding or daily living.

How cerebral palsy may affect daily function

Cerebral palsy affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and coordination

• posture and movement control

• muscle tone and strength

• gross motor development

• self-care and daily routines

• communication and participation

• feeding or swallowing in some cases

• school, work and community access

Allied health support should always be individualised and focused on the person’s function, goals and participation in everyday life.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support children and adults with cerebral palsy where there are goals related to mobility, gross motor skills, posture, balance, strength, transfers, walking, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• movement and mobility support

• strength and physical activity programs

• balance and coordination support

• gross motor development

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• gait and walking-related support

• stretching and home exercise planning

• equipment or mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when cerebral palsy is affecting daily living, self-care, home routines, school participation, upper limb function, fine motor skills, fatigue management, sensory needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine support

• fine motor and hand function support

• environmental or task adaptations

• assistive technology and equipment recommendations

• home, school or community participation strategies

• upper limb and functional skill development
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be relevant where cerebral palsy affects communication, speech clarity, language, feeding, swallowing or mealtime participation. Speech pathology may support:

• communication development

• speech and language skills

• social communication

• augmentative or alternative communication needs

• feeding and swallowing assessment or management where relevant
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some children, adolescents or adults with cerebral palsy who need support with strength, endurance, physical activity participation, general conditioning or structured exercise. Programs should be tailored carefully to the person’s goals, capacity and presentation.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how cerebral palsy is affecting the person in real life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on things like:

moving more safely and confidently

building independence with everyday activities

supporting play, school or community participation

maintaining strength and mobility

helping carers support movement and routines at home

improving comfort, access or function in daily life

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, school team, medical professionals and broader support network where appropriate.

FAQ

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement, posture and coordination because of injury or differences in the developing brain. It is the most common motor disability in childhood.

Is cerebral palsy progressive?

Cerebral palsy itself is generally considered permanent and non-progressive, meaning the original brain injury does not worsen over time. However, the way it affects movement, posture and daily function can change over time.

Can physiotherapy help with cerebral palsy?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, balance, gross motor skills, walking, posture, transfers and physical participation for people living with cerebral palsy. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with cerebral palsy?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, fine motor skills, upper limb use, home function, routines, equipment and participation in everyday activities.

Does everyone with cerebral palsy need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may be relevant where communication, speech, feeding or swallowing are affected.

Can adults with cerebral palsy access allied health support?

Yes. Although cerebral palsy is often discussed in childhood, adults with CP may also benefit from physiotherapy and allied health support related to mobility, function, pain, endurance, independence and participation.

Can cerebral palsy affect feeding and swallowing?

For some people, yes. Cerebral palsy can be associated with feeding, swallowing and mealtime difficulties, and these concerns may be assessed by a speech pathologist.

When should someone with cerebral palsy see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when cerebral palsy is affecting mobility, daily living, communication, feeding, school participation, independence or physical function.

If you or your family member is living with cerebral palsy and would like support with mobility, daily function, communication, feeding or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Cerebral Palsy Alliance – A leading service provider offering information, support, and therapies for individuals with CP.

https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au

Cerebral Palsy Australia – National peak body providing advocacy and information for those living with CP.

https://www.cpaustralia.com.au

Kids' Health Info – Comprehensive information about CP and its management tailored for children.

https://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) – Offers funding and support services for individuals with disabilities, including CP.

https://www.ndis.gov.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) – Resources and information on physiotherapy practices relevant to CP.

https://australian.physio

Occupational Therapy Australia – Information and resources on occupational therapy services for individuals with CP.

https://otaus.com.au

Speech Pathology Australia – Resources for understanding and addressing communication disorders related to CP.

https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) – Information on exercise programs and interventions for individuals with CP.

https://www.essa.org.au

Healthdirect Australia – General information on Cerebral Palsy, its symptoms, and management.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) – Offers support services that may benefit individuals with CP, particularly those with co-occurring autism.

https://www.autismspectrum.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.