Naturopathic Treatment and Benefits for the Child with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP), is not considered a disease. It is a term describing a group of neurological symptoms and disorders caused by a non-recurring brain injury. In most cases, cerebral palsy is contracted before or during the birth process.
A person with cerebral palsy often displays common physical problems during their developmental stages. Often slow to develop as infants, a baby with CP may not sit up, crawl or lift their head without assistance. If parents have older children, they usually notice a marked difference in the physical activity and developmental delays in their child with cerebral palsy.
What Are Common Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy symptoms might include lack of control of extremities, balance, coordination, motor skills, muscle development and speech and language skills. People often think cerebral palsy negatively affects the child’s intelligence.
This is patently untrue. Although some patients with cerebral palsy have a low ability to function, many have average to above average intelligence.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Physical therapy, traditional medicine, alternative medicine and natural-based treatment has a major impact on the developing child with cerebral palsy. Often, it means the difference between a non-functioning child and one who can socially adapt to their environment.
Making friends, participating in games and practicing occupational therapy tools give the child a better chance to live an active, healthy and productive life with a normal lifespan.
Choosing the Best Care and Treatment
Interview several physicians before determining which doctor uses an open-minded approach. Often, choosing a doctor who trained in traditional medicine and alternative Naturopathic treatments is the prudent way to go.
Not so long-ago traditional medicine considered physical and speech therapy to be radical alternative forms of treatment. Now, these therapies form the basis of early intervention to help the child with cerebral palsy gain muscle control and improve their speech.
Naturopathic Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy
One of the most effective alternative treatments available for cerebral palsy and many other diseases is the ancient art of acupuncture. Focusing on key nerve bundles or centers, acupuncture and acupressure is a proven method to improve muscle control and flexibility. Certain nerve bundles release serotonin and dopamine to the brain. This acts to relieve and reduce pain. Often, it helps with anxiety as well.
Effective Naturopathic Alternatives Using Horses and Adapted Aquatics
Another Naturopathic treatment shows great promise for children with cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy, a controlled, guided way for the child to ride horses has proved to make a tremendous improvement in muscle control and social adaptation.
Along the same lines, water therapy is an effective method to build physical endurance, strengthen muscles and allow the child to use water as a way to socialize with peers. In the water, everyone has similar abilities with the right adaptive aquatic’s teacher. Locate a pool with a gradual slope to it with water warmer than normal pools. This helps the muscles relax and allows the child to gain muscle control without getting chilled.
Naturopathic Foods and Supplements
Calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D are critical for bone health. Often, the child with cerebral palsy has trouble getting enough nutrients to support healthy bone growth. A good fish oil supplement can provide these vitamins and more.
Apple cider vinegar has been used for hundreds of years for muscle spasms and cramps. Used topically, it helps muscle spasms. Taken internally it assists digestion, which is also a problem for many children with cerebral palsy.
Many parents wonder how they can possibly afford many of the options listed above that can help their child with cerebral palsy. When it comes to paying the cost for your child’s treatment, you should consider talking to a lawyer specializing in birth injuries. Relying on the doctor who may have made a mistake for answers about your child’s diagnosis is really not the best option. You need to consider the long-term costs and fees associated with the special care your child needs now and in the years to come. Your child deserves every opportunity to grow and thrive, no matter what the cost.
