Therapy session : A student attempting to walk on obstacle bar with support from therapist
Therapy session: A student attempting to walk on an obstacle bar with support from a therapist

The aim of physiotherapy is to achieve maximum independence in activities of daily life. Children with cerebral palsy have both motor and sensory issues. After detailed assessment, treatment plans are drawn up based on the children’s and family’s needs. Through specific handling skills and modification of the environment, more normal movement patterns are practiced within play, providing more sensorimotor experiences. Family members and caregivers are trained so that therapy becomes a part of daily routine. Therapists implement strategies that can be incorporated into functional activities. The therapist also collaborates and guides teachers about effective posture and enhanced movements in the classroom.

We have recently added a Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) machine. WBV training is a method for muscle strengthening and it is being widely applied in a variety of clinical situations. During a typical vibration session, the user stands on the device in a static position or performs dynamic movements. Based on the research done it is believed that vibrations stimulate muscle spindles and alpha-motoneurons, which initiate a muscle contraction. Most studies on the impact of vibration treatment in various disorders focused on more or three therapeutic aims:

A. Increasing Muscle Strength
B. Improving Balance
C. Increasing Bone Mass

 

WHOLE BODY VIBRATION

SHORT TERM BENEFITS LONG TERM BENEFITS
Increase in oxygen consumption Decreases the amount of muscle wasting and bone degeneration
Increase in muscle temperature and skin blood flow Increase muscle performance and body balance which decreases the frequency of falls
Increase in muscle power Increase in the hip bone mineral density