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The process of rehabilitation in patients with cerebral palsy consists of evaluating the child’s functional abilities and sensorimotor/biomechanical differences associated with spasticity and the selection of appropriate treatments to increase function based on evidence-based outcomes.
Consequently, the role of the therapist in this process is the following:
- Serve as a referral source in the community
- Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team
- Assist in movement analysis
- Prepare the child and family for intervention(s)
- Strengthen muscles and improve motor control
- Assist with setting realistic goals
- Adapt splints and orthoses
- Plan for future interventions
- Evaluate the outcomes of treatment
- Assist in developing oral motor skills