Health Law

Managing CP Symptoms with Holistic Therapies

Many families are familiar with the traditional treatments used to manage cerebral palsy symptoms, such as surgery, medication and physical therapy. However, some families are turning to holistic therapies to help alleviate the symptoms their child experiences.

While it is important to remember that each child is unique and will respond differently to different therapies, some holistic alternatives parents may wish to consider include:

• Acupuncture – This is a non-painful form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of extremely fine needles at various points on the body to relieve pain. Studies involving acupuncture and cerebral palsy have shown that some children who received this therapy experienced a marked improvement with regard to their individual symptoms.
• Reflexology and massage therapy – Massage has a beneficial effect on the body for people with a wide range of conditions, including cerebral palsy.
• Biofeedback – Electromyograph (EMG) is an increasingly common form of biofeedback in which electrodes are used to measure muscle tension and relax tense muscles. It is sometimes used to alleviate the symptom of muscle spasticity in individuals with cerebral palsy.
• Nutritional awareness – Processed foods that are high in preservatives or additives may worsen your child’s cerebral palsy symptoms. Consulting a nutritionist may help you find foods that will not only lessen such symptoms, but also provide your child with other health benefits.

Other alternative therapies that may help to ease your child’s cerebral palsy symptoms include:  yoga, which can help with movement; sensory integration, which is used to stimulate the senses and help children to interact better with their environment; and listening/music programs, which have been effective in improving auditory processing and communication skills.

Of course, alternative therapies such as these are not necessarily intended to replace a child’s traditional medical care. However, many families are beginning to take a more integrated approach to treatment, incorporating both traditional and alternative therapies.
 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on January 29, 2009 (boomark / email).