Cerebral palsy

Overview

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong group of movement and posture disorders resulting from non-progressive disturbances in the developing infant or fetal brain ^[1]. Although the brain lesion is fixed, the physical, functional and participation challenges can evolve across the lifespan. CP is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, and its impact often extends into adult life ^[2]. Advances in neonatal care and neurorehabilitation are improving outcomes, but the condition remains heterogeneous in ongoing presentation, ability and need ^[3].

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

The causes of CP are multifactorial, reflecting disturbances in brain development or injury during pregnancy, birth, or early infancy. Major contributing factors include:

• Prenatal factors: maternal infection, placental insufficiency or genetic vulnerabilities.
• Perinatal/Neonatal factors: prematurity, low birth weight, hypoxic-ischemic events, or neonatal encephalopathy.
• Post-neonatal: brain injury in early childhood (e.g., infection or trauma).

Genetic etiologies are increasingly recognised, accounting for a significant subset of CP cases ^[2,3]. The heterogeneity in brain injury type, timing and location underlies the varied motor, cognitive and participation outcomes seen in CP.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs of CP vary widely depending on lesion severity, distribution and associated impairments. Typical features include:

• Altered muscle tone (hypertonia/spasticity, hypotonia, or mixed), poor motor control and contractures.
• Delayed motor milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking), gait abnormalities, balance and coordination difficulties.
• Associated impairments such as speech/communication, vision/hearing, cognition, feeding/swallowing issues and epilepsy.
• Secondary problems like pain, fatigue, reduced participation in physical activity and musculoskeletal complications ^[4]

Because of this variability, classification systems such as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) are used to describe functional levels ^[1]

Holistic & TCIH Approaches

In addition to mainstream therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy), many people with CP benefit from integrative or Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) modalities that focus on whole-body wellbeing, movement, sensation and participation.

• Physiotherapy – Goal-directed, activity-based physiotherapy is foundational. Evidence supports that task-oriented, intensive programs improve motor function and participation in children with CP
• Occupational Therapy – OT supports hand skills, self-care, sensory-motor integration and daily-life participation. Reviews suggest improved functional outcomes when integrated into multidisciplinary care ^[4]
• Speech Therapy – Communication and feeding/swallowing interventions are key in CP management, addressing articulation, safety and nutrition ^[6]
• Yoga / Mindfulness & Movement Therapies – Gentle movement and mindfulness support tone regulation, posture, core strength and wellbeing; reviews in adults with CP report benefits for physical activity and quality of life ^[7]
• Equine Therapy – Animal-assisted movement therapies provide rhythmic trunk and hip input; recent evidence shows improvement in gross-motor function and postural control ^[3]
• Naturopathy / Nutrition Consultation – Individuals with CP are at higher risk of nutritional issues (malnutrition, bone health, and feeding difficulties) ^[8]. Nutrition-focused interventions and supplements may support strength and reduce inflammation ^[9]
• Massage / Myofascial Release & Manual Therapies – Manual bodywork can reduce pain, improve circulation and support mobility ^[4]

Self-Care & Lifestyle Practices

To support overall functioning and participation, consider:

• Regular physical activity suited to ability (resistance, aerobic, core stability) under professional guidance.
• Setting meaningful participation goals (e.g., walking outdoors, community sports, creative play).
• Ensuring adequate sleep, nutrition, hydration and bone health.
• Monitoring musculoskeletal health (hips, spine, contractures), pain and fatigue.
• Integrating holistic therapies (e.g., yoga, massage, nutrition) alongside mainstream care—rather than instead of.
• Maintaining a supportive environment—family education, transition planning and inclusive community participation ^[2]

When to Seek Professional Support

Engage qualified professionals if you notice:

• New or worsening contractures, pain, hip/spine issues or functional decline.
• Increased fatigue, decreased participation or signs of reduced quality of life.
• Nutrition or feeding challenges, significant weight change or bone-health concerns.
• Transition periods, such as from paediatric to adult services, many individuals experience care gaps

A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner specialising in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, yoga therapy or naturopathy can help integrate holistic support within your care plan.