Physical Therapy of Cerebral Palsy (eBook)

This book is a derivative of the author's well-regarded Cerebral Palsy and focuses on rehabilitation techniques. The book discusses the theory and techniques used by physical and occupational therapists, and also provides suggestions for implementing an Individual Education Plan. The book includes chapters on rehabilitation techniques. Tables and algorithms are included to help in the decision-making process for determining what treatment would be most beneficial.

Dr. Freeman Miller is Co-Director of the Cerebral Palsy Program and Medical Director of the Gait Analysis Laboratory at the Alfred I. duPont Institute in Wilmington, Delaware. He specializes in treating children with cerebral palsy and gait disorders and is well renowned and highly respected in his field. Dr. Miller is a member of eight professional societies, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects the individual, family, and immediate community. Therefore, the goal of allowing the individual with cerebral palsy to live life with the least impact of the disability requires c- plex attention to the individual and the family. Furthermore, society needs to be sensitive and to accommodate individuals with disabilities by limiting architectural impediments and providing accessible public transportation and communication. The educational system provides the key means for helping the individual prepare to function in society to his or her maximum ability. In many ways, the medical care system probably has the least sign- icant role in preparing the child with cerebral palsy to function optimally in society. However, the medical care system is the place where parents first learn that their child has developmental issues outside the expected norm. It is almost universally the place where parents also expect the child to be made normal in our modern society. In earlier times, the parents would expect healing to possibly come from the doctor, but also they would place hope for healing in religion. As this belief in spiritual or miraculous healing has - creased, a significant font of hope has decreased for parents of young ch- dren with disabilities.