Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Adelaide
At Thrive Health Therapies, we offer specialised physiotherapy for individuals with cerebral palsy, delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to improve mobility, functionality, and overall quality of life. Our experienced physiotherapists design personalised rehabilitation programs tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you choose therapy at our Findon clinic and gym, in the comfort of your home, or through hydrotherapy, Thrive Health Therapies is here to support you every step of the way.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, posture, and coordination, caused by damage to the developing brain, often before or during birth. The condition can result in varying degrees of muscle stiffness, weakness, and involuntary movements, impacting mobility and daily activities.
What are the Types of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is classified into four main types based on movement challenges: spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed cerebral palsy. It can also be classified by the areas of the body affected, such as monoplegia, diplegia, hemiplegia, or quadriplegia, and by severity levels using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), which evaluates mobility and functional abilities.
Types of Cerebral Palsy Movement Disorders
Spastic Cerebral Palsy:
The most common type, characterised by muscle stiffness and tightness (spasticity).
May affect specific areas of the body, causing difficulty with movement and coordination.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy:
Involves involuntary movements such as twisting, jerking, or slow, writhing motions.
Includes dystonia (twisting postures) and choreoathetosis (irregular, rapid movements).
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy:
Characterised by poor coordination, balance, and control of voluntary movements.
May result in shaky or unsteady movements, affecting tasks like walking or writing.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy:
A combination of two or more types of movement disorders, with spastic-dyskinetic being the most common mix.
Classifications of Cerebral Palsy Based on the Areas of the Body Affected:
Monoplegia: Affects one limb, typically an arm.
Diplegia: Primarily affects both legs, with possible mild involvement of the arms.
Hemiplegia: Affects one side of the body (arm and leg on the same side).
Quadriplegia: Affects all four limbs, often accompanied by challenges in trunk and facial muscles.
Severity Levels (Gross Motor Function Classification System - GMFCS):
Level I: Walks independently without limitations.
Level II: Walks with some limitations; may need assistive devices for certain activities.
Level III: Walks with assistive devices, such as crutches or walkers; may require a wheelchair for longer distances.
Level IV: Limited mobility; uses powered or manual wheelchair for most activities.
Level V: Severe limitations in mobility and head/trunk control; requires full assistance.
These classifications help guide treatment and support strategies tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
What are the Functional Challenges for those with Cerebral Palsy?
The symptoms and severity of cerebral palsy vary widely among individuals. Common functional challenges include:
Muscle Stiffness or Weakness: Affecting the ability to move freely and perform daily tasks.
Coordination and Balance Issues: Challenges with stability and fine motor skills.
Involuntary Movements: Difficulty controlling movements, leading to spasms or tremors.
Difficulty with Posture: Problems maintaining proper alignment during sitting, standing, or walking.
Speech and Swallowing Difficulties: Challenges with communication and feeding.
Pain and Fatigue: Discomfort and tiredness caused by muscle strain and overuse.
While cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, physiotherapy can significantly improve mobility, manage symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life.
For further reading:
How Can Physiotherapy Help with Cerebral Palsy?
Physiotherapy focuses on improving mobility, managing muscle tone, and enhancing functional abilities for individuals with cerebral palsy. At Thrive Health Therapies, our physiotherapists develop personalised treatment plans that address each person’s unique challenges and goals.
Key Ways Physiotherapists Support People with Cerebral Palsy:
Improve Mobility: Enhance walking patterns, movement efficiency, and overall independence.
Manage Muscle Tone: Reduce spasticity and improve muscle flexibility through targeted techniques.
Enhance Balance and Coordination: Prevent falls and promote smoother, controlled movements.
Increase Range of Motion: Stretching and exercises to maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures.
Strengthen Core Muscles: Improve posture, stability, and functional movement.
Assist with Transfers: Support safe transitions, such as sitting, standing, or moving between positions.
Reduce Pain and Discomfort: Alleviate muscle strain and joint stiffness with therapeutic interventions.
Adapt to Assistive Devices: Recommend and provide training on the use of mobility aids like walkers, braces, or wheelchairs.
Support Developmental Milestones: Assist children with achieving age-appropriate motor skills.
Promote Participation in Activities: Enable engagement in daily tasks, school, and recreational activities.
Hydrotherapy: Use water-based therapy to support movement, reduce strain, and improve strength in a low-impact environment.
Our Approach to Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy
At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to providing comprehensive, person-centred care for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluating mobility, muscle tone, and functional abilities to develop a tailored plan.
Goal-Oriented Planning: Collaborating with clients and families to set realistic, meaningful objectives.
Collaborative Care: Working closely with other healthcare providers, caregivers, and educators to ensure holistic support.
Flexible Delivery Methods: Offering clinic-based therapy, home visits, or telehealth services to suit individual preferences and needs.
How We Deliver Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy in Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies offers a variety of delivery methods throughout metropolitan Adelaide to suit your needs:
Community-Based Services: We bring physiotherapy to your home, providing personalised care in a familiar and convenient setting.
Clinic-based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations and disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Hydrotherapy: Low-impact, water-based exercises to improve strength and mobility in a supportive environment. Find out more about our hydrotherapy services.
Hydrotherapy for Cerebral Palsy Across Adelaide
Hydrotherapy is a gentle and effective treatment option for individuals with cerebral palsy. The buoyancy of water reduces pressure on muscles and joints, allowing for easier movement and targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Hydrotherapy also promotes relaxation, reduces spasticity, and provides a safe, low-impact environment for rehabilitation.
At Thrive Health Therapies, we offer one-on-one physiotherapist-led hydrotherapy sessions at three convenient locations in Adelaide: Parafield Gardens, Campbelltown, and Seaton. We can also arrange sessions at a pool near you.
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy in Adelaide?
No wait time: We can start working with clients straight away!
Experienced: Our physiotherapists are senior clinicians with years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing physiotherapy across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic and gym in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of neurological presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Funding Sources: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people.
Funding Options for Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making physiotherapy accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
FAQs About Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy in Adelaide
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurological condition caused by damage to the developing brain, affecting movement, muscle tone, coordination, and posture.
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Physiotherapists help people with cerebral palsy by improving mobility, managing muscle tone, enhancing balance and coordination, increasing flexibility and strength, supporting posture, and providing strategies and assistive devices to promote independence and participation in daily activities.
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Yes, we offer home-based physiotherapy across metropolitan Adelaide.
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Yes, hydrotherapy is highly suitable for people with cerebral palsy, as the buoyancy of water supports the body, reduces strain on muscles and joints, and allows for gentle exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination in a safe, low-impact environment.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your loved one directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
Ready to get started? It’s easy!
Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
