Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability of childhood, and while it is a lifelong condition, early and ongoing physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference in mobility, independence and quality of life.
At Ohana Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, we support children with cerebral palsy and their families through evidence-based, play-based and family-centred physiotherapy, including NDIS-funded therapy, serial casting, orthoses prescription, postural garments and assistive technology support.
This guide explains what cerebral palsy is, how it is diagnosed, and how physiotherapy can support a child’s movement, comfort and participation.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement, muscle tone, posture and coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before birth, during birth, or shortly after birth.
While cerebral palsy itself does not worsen over time, the physical challenges a child experiences can change as they grow. Children with CP may also experience:
- Sensory or perceptual challenges
- Communication difficulties
- Behavioural differences
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Muscle tightness or joint restrictions (contractures)
- Orthopaedic complications (such as hip displacement or scoliosis)
Encouragingly, the rate and severity of cerebral palsy is decreasing, thanks to improved prenatal care, research and early intervention.
How is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
Cerebral palsy is often suspected when parents or healthcare professionals notice delays in motor milestones, such as difficulty with:
- Holding the head up
- Rolling, sitting or crawling
- Standing or walking
- Coordinating movements
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:
- Medical history
- Developmental and neurological examination
- Brain imaging (such as MRI)
Physiotherapists are often involved early, identifying movement patterns and functional difficulties that help guide diagnosis and therapy planning.
Early physiotherapy intervention helps to:
- Support development
- Prevent secondary complications
- Improve long-term outcomes
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is classified by the type of movement difficulty:
Spastic CP (70–80%)
- Stiff or tight muscles
- Reduced range of motion
Dyskinetic CP (approx. 6%)
- Involuntary, uncontrolled movements
Ataxic CP (approx. 6%)
- Poor balance and coordination
Mixed CP
- A combination of multiple movement types
CP may also be described by which parts of the body are affected:
- Hemiplegia – one side of the body
- Diplegia – mainly the legs
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) – all four limbs and trunk
These classifications guide therapy planning and equipment recommendations.
The GMFCS: Understanding Functional Levels
Physiotherapists use the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) to describe a child’s mobility level and support needs.
Levels range from:
- Level I – walks with minimal limitation
- Level V – requires full support for mobility
This system helps guide realistic goal setting and appropriate therapy and equipment planning.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Cerebral Palsy
Physiotherapy helps children with cerebral palsy to:
- Improve strength and mobility
- Enhance posture and alignment
- Maintain and increase range of motion
- Reduce muscle tightness and joint stiffness
- Improve independence
- Increase participation in home, school and community life
At Ohana Physiotherapy, sessions are goal-directed, functional and play-based, tailored to each child’s physical abilities and needs.
Key Physiotherapy Interventions for Cerebral Palsy
Every program is individualised, but may include:
1. Gross Motor Skill Development
Supporting skills such as:
- Sitting
- Crawling
- Standing
- Transitions
- Walking and running
2. Muscle Strengthening & Stretching
Targeting:
- Spasticity
- Muscle weakness
- Joint restrictions
- Postural imbalance
3. Balance & Coordination Training
Using:
- Obstacle courses
- Functional play
- Balance and stability exercises
4. Gait Training
Supporting safe and efficient walking using:
- Treadmills
- Parallel bars
- Gait trainers
5. Serial Casting
Serial casting is used to gently improve muscle length (particularly calves) when muscle tightness limits movement such as standing or walking. It can support:
- Improved range of motion
- Better foot positioning
- Increased comfort in orthoses
- Improved functional mobility
6. Orthoses & Postural Garments
Our physiotherapists assess and recommend:
- AFOs and SMOs
- Night splints
- Postural garments (e.g. DMO / compression garments)
- Custom footwear support
These assist with:
- Alignment
- Stability
- Reduced fatigue
- Improved movement efficiency
7. Assistive Technology (AT)
We assess, trial and prescribe:
- Standers
- Walkers & gait trainers
- Wheelchairs and seating systems
- Activity chairs
- Adaptive bikes
We also assist with NDIS reports and funding applications for this equipment.
8. Parent & Caregiver Education
Families are vital to success. We provide support with:
- Home programs
- Positioning and handling
- Stretching routines
- Equipment use
- School and support-worker strategies
NDIS Support for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Many children with cerebral palsy are eligible for NDIS-funded physiotherapy and equipment, including:
- Ongoing physiotherapy
- Serial casting
- Orthoses and postural garments
- Mobility and positioning equipment
- Assistive technology trials and reports
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we support families with:
- Functional assessments
- NDIS reports and goal-setting
- Equipment justification
- Planning and reviews
Supporting Every Step of the Journey
Physiotherapy for cerebral palsy is about more than movement — it’s about confidence, participation, comfort and independence.
At Ohana Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast (Robina) and home visiting, we are committed to supporting children and families through compassionate, evidence-based and family-centred care.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your child with cerebral palsy physiotherapy, serial casting, or assistive technology, we would love to help.