Older Adults with Cerebral Palsy Receive Lesser Attention, Needs More Physical Therapy Than Usual

Musculoskeletal disorder or MSD is usually present in adults that are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. MSD includes injuries on muscles and almost everything on the skeletal system. It also targets spinal discs and nerves, which leads to the patient being limited to move and exercise their motor skills. But a recent study may change all of these, as medical experts have discovered that adults with cerebral palsy receive less physical therapy.

Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Patients Needs to be Improved

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(Photo: Marcus Aurelius / Pexels)

Cerebral palsy negates the ability of an individual to move and eliminates their sense of balance. In most cases, children are often diagnosed with the condition. It affects their brain development which directly affects the control of almost every inch of muscles.

In a study published in Disability & Health Journal entitled "Musculoskeletal diagnoses, comorbidities, and physical and occupational therapy use among older adults with and without cerebral palsy," it was stated that fewer than one-third of the general patients are enrolled in physical therapy. The individuals included in the said population and are presently diagnosed with cerebral palsy receive less physical therapy.

The analysis of the study was recorded from the Medicare health service in four years. It included subjects from community-living adults, with groups diagnosed with cerebral palsy and those who do not.

Cerebral palsy often causes musculoskeletal disorder, and older adults who experience it must have specialized physical care. However, it was emphasized in the study that there aren't enough physical therapies allocated for the patients. The study also reveals that they don't receive appropriate health care, as it lacks essential treatments crucial for their condition, reports The Siasat Daily.

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Relation of Neurodevelopmental Condition and Musculoskeletal disorders, Explained

The neurodevelopmental state of the patients is usually an effect of abnormalities in the brain, and unfortunately, the most common childhood-onset motor illness. In reference to the study, the experts said that a much larger focus must be allocated to the issue. In addition, clinical awareness regarding the condition of older adults must increase and improve systematic screenings for early identification and treatment of the disease.

Physical therapy, among the supposed treatments and care the study mentioned, is still possible to be experienced by the older adult group of cerebral palsy patients. The first thing to be considered is when medical institutions and healthcare providers treat the illness as a general condition and not limited to pediatric scope, reports EurekAlert.

According to Charles E. Lytle, Jr.'s physical medicine professor and rehabilitation and co-author of the study Mark Peterson, the results of the study are shocking, but institutions and health care providers are willing to cooperate and make an extensive improvement towards the ministrations of the patients.

With the proper recognition of cerebral palsy, there will be more possible treatments to be innovated and discovered. Adults with the risk of musculoskeletal disorders can be identified quickly and will receive proper care better than before. The study also suggests that the appropriate knowledge of the condition won't allow the group of old adults won't áge-out' in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.