Infants and children who have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy are referred for ongoing therapies at the Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) at CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario).  

Physiotherapy through Action Potential Rehabilitation is helpful when:

• Your child is on a waiting list for physiotherapy at CHEO
• Your child would respond better by being treated at home
• It is difficult for you to transport your child to therapy appointments
• Your child would benefit from Pool Therapy
• Your child requires more frequent therapy than is currently available through CHEO
• Your child is not eligible to receive physiotherapy services from CHEO (Quebec resident or school-age child)

When there has been damage to the central nervous system (brain), there can be difficulty with initiation of movement, muscle imbalance, tightness in muscles (spasticity or contractures), and impaired balance. Physiotherapy can improve mobility, strengthen weak muscles, and help your child develop functional skills, such as sitting, crawling and walking. 

The paediatric physiotherapists at Action Potential Rehabilitation work exclusively with infants and children with developmental disabilities like Cerebral Palsy.  They have taken many specialized courses in treatment approaches such as Motor Relearning, Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) / Bobath and Medek.  They also have training in techniques such as Kinesiotaping and Myofascial Release, which can be beneficial adjuncts to Hands-On Physiotherapy.  – Link to Paeds Hands On Physio.

Our paediatric physiotherapists are knowledgeable about re-education of movement, treating altered muscle tone, and improving balance and gait.  They are familiar with paediatric equipment (standers, gait trainers, adapted tricycles, Theratogs, AFO’s, etc.), and current best practices in physiotherapy for children.  Several of our physiotherapists are registered authorizers for the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and can prescribe equipment to meet your child’s needs.

Your child’s physiotherapist will work closely with you to teach you the optimal way to assist your child to develop their movement skills.  She can provide you with the support and treatment that your child needs to help them reach their potential.

Image references:

1. Action Potential Rehabilitation, 2020.