Cerebral Palsy Program

Starting typically between the ages of 18 and 24 months, we begin a proactive journey of care that grows with your child. Our team takes an evidence-based approach, always starting with the least invasive treatments first.

Regular checkups every 6 to 12 months allow us to monitor development and adjust care as needed. During these early years, we focus heavily on movement, strength, and preventing complications.

Hip care is a crucial part of CP management, with most challenges emerging between ages 2 and 8. At Nemours, we've developed a comprehensive monitoring program that starts early. For children who primarily use wheelchairs, we conduct physical exams every six months and yearly X-rays.

Children who walk independently need less frequent monitoring. If treatment is needed, we time treatments carefully. For example, we may recommend muscle procedures and guided growth in younger years and reconstructive surgery after age 8 if needed. Our goal is always to prevent discomfort and maintain mobility.

Many children with CP, especially those who use wheelchairs, may develop spinal curvature as they grow. The most significant changes often occur during the pre-teen and teenage growth spurts.

Our approach focuses on maintaining flexibility and comfort through customized seating, wheelchair adjustments, and sometimes bracing. We carefully monitor growth and development, recommending surgery only when needed to prevent progression that could impact breathing or comfort.

Understanding that each child's movement patterns are unique, our monthly spasticity clinic brings together specialists to create personalized treatment plans.

We consider all options, from therapy and medication to more advanced treatments like baclofen pumps. Your child's comfort and function guide our decisions, and we adjust treatments as their needs change.

We offer nonoperative orthopedic care that includes focused rehabilitation therapies like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Whether through our inpatient program or as an outpatient, rehabilitation focuses on building real-world skills. We create goals together with families, focusing on what matters most in daily life.

Some children may need short periods of intensive therapy, while others benefit from ongoing support. Our team works closely with families, teaching techniques that can be continued at home.

Our state-of-the-art gait laboratory in the Delaware Valley sets us apart as one of about 20 fully accredited centers nationwide. Through advanced 3D imaging, we capture your child's movement patterns, muscle activity, and energy use. This detailed analysis helps guide treatment decisions, from therapy adjustments to surgical planning.

We typically conduct gait analysis before major interventions, using the data to create precise treatment plans. Follow-up analyses help us track progress and adjust care as needed.

Children with CP often develop decreased bone density, particularly if their weight-bearing activity is limited. Our bone health program focuses on prevention and targeted treatment.

We've developed specialized techniques to measure bone density in areas most at risk for fracture. The program includes comprehensive nutrition assessment, vitamin D monitoring, and personalized strengthening plans.