Therapy and Equipment

As part of your comprehensive treatment plan, your CCP physician may prescribe specialized equipment, or may refer you to physical, occupational, or speech therapists to maximize your functional mobility and independence.

Assistive Devices

An assistive device is any piece of equipment that helps people with disabilities perform a task or activity. This can include mobility devices, assistive technology such as communication devices or alternative wheelchair controls, and adapted hand tools, along with many, many others. Some of these devices are available off the shelf, although most families choose to work with their insurance companies for larger items.

Your CCP providers will focus on adaptive equipment such as: 

• Mobility devices - walkers, crutches, gait trainers, wheelchairs, adaptive strollers 
• Positioning devices - standing frames, adaptive seating
• Orthotics - braces, splints, shoe inserts (see more information below)

We may also refer you to other providers who can help you with more specialized equipment (such as communication devices and vehicle modifications)

Orthotics

Orthotics are a type of assistive device designed to support joints, provide additional support, and improve the efficiency of movement.

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are ankle braces that encase the foot as well as the lower leg below the knee. AFOs facilitate a flat foot when walking or standing, improve ankle stability, correct foot alignment, and decrease the energy required to walk. They provide additional support for those who do not walk, but who participate in standing transfers or use a standing frame. AFOs are also useful in maintaining ankle range of motion and preventing contracture, especially after a surgery.

There are many styles of AFOs, and they are typically custom-molded to precisely fit a patient's foot. The best style for you or your child will be determined by your physician with input from the physical therapist and orthotist. 

Supramalleolar orthoses (SMOs) are braces that encase the foot and ankle only. They provide medial and lateral support to the ankle and foot, but do not control the up and down movement of the ankle (dorsiflexion and plantarflexion). SMOs provide stability while allowing greater freedom of movement as compared to AFOs, and are typically appropriate for those with more mild stability issues and who do not walk on their toes.

Resting splints are designed to prevent contractures and are commonly prescribed for the hands, wrists, and elbows. Solid AFOs with soft padding may be utilized as resting splints for the ankles in individuals who do not stand or walk.

Therapies

Depending on your goals, your physician may refer you or your child for additional assessment and treatment with a physical, occupational, or speech therapist. We can help you select a therapist who specializes in neurological rehabilitation and has experience with patients with cerebral palsy.

Physical Therapy

Our most common referrals are to physical therapists. Physical therapists help patients optimize their quality of life by improving their ability to move their bodies. Physical therapists are trained to restore or improve strength, mobility, coordination, and balance. Physical therapists can also assist with equipment selection and help caregivers avoid injury when moving a patient. Physical therapy is particularly important after orthopaedic surgery to restore strength, optimize surgical benefits, and prevent recurrence of corrected deformities.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help patients optimize their quality of life by improving their ability to perform activities of daily living (such as bathing, getting dressed, eating, and participating in school and work). Occupational therapists can help you identify challenges in your daily routine and suggest exercises, strategies, or tools to overcome them. They can also help you identify ways to modify your environment to make these things easier. Some occupational therapists specialize in hand rehabilitation and you may be referred to one after an upper extremity surgery. Others specialize in feeding therapy for children with sensory or motor difficulties.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapists help patients improve their communication and language skills. They can identify strategies to help people with neurological challenges communicate to the best of their abilities. Speech therapists can also treat individuals with difficulty swallowing or eating.