CEREBRAL PALSY
Whatever you do with the child, look for ways that will help relax and stretch the tight
muscles. Here are some examples.
Rosa’s body stiffens backward,
while her knees straighten
stiffly and press together.
To wash between her legs,
do not try to pull her legs apart
at the ankles.
This will make her legs pull
together more tightly.
Instead, put something under her
head and shoulders to bend them
forward. This helps to relax the
stiffness in her whole body.
Then bend the legs and slowly
separate them. If you hold them
above the knees, they will open
more easily.
Washing will be easier with her
knees bent. After washing her
(with warm water, if possible)
you can help stretch the tight
muscles.
Slowly open her legs as wide as
they will go, and then gradually
straighten her knees.
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WRONG
When you try to
feed the child, if her
head and shoulders
stiffen backward,
do not try to pull her
head forward. It will
push back more.
You may find that her
head relaxes more
if you put your arm
across the back of her
neck and push her
shoulders forward.
Or, you may find that
raising the front of
the chair seat keeps
her hips bent, relaxes
her in general, and
gives her much more
control.
WRONG
When you want to help your
child dress, if her arms press
against her chest,
do not try to pull them straight.
They will stiffen more.
Try holding her arms above her
elbows, and gently turning her
arms out and straighten them at
the same time.
WRONG
Note: These suggestions will work for some children but
not for others. Keep trying different ways until you find what works best.
disabled village children