Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy (CP)

What to Do If Your Child Is Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

Understanding the Diagnosis and Taking the First Steps Forward

Hearing that your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) can feel overwhelming—but you are not alone, and there are powerful steps you can take to support your child’s development, starting today. At the Canadian Centre for Development, we’re here to help you understand the diagnosis, connect to the right supports, and unlock your child’s full potential through early, evidence-based intervention.

Book a First Appointment with one of our NeuroMotor Pediatric Physiotherapists

We’ve been taking our 5 month old son on a weekly basis, who was born with HIE and has gross motor skill delays. After only 3 sessions we are already amazed at the progress Beckett has made. His PT challenges Beckett but also stays so positive throughout the sessions. I truly believe the team at CCD will help Beckett reach his full potential with continued therapy, - Chantale M. (Nov 2023)

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

ICerebral palsy is a group of neurological conditions that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It’s caused by an injury to the developing brain, usually before, during, or shortly after birth. The effects of CP can vary widely—from mild challenges with coordination to more complex needs involving walking, speech, or daily care.

Occupational Therapy

Working with an occupational therapist (OT) is essential for children with cerebral palsy, as OTs help develop the fine motor, self-care, and daily living skills needed for greater independence. Through targeted, play-based strategies, they support a child’s ability to eat, dress, write, and participate fully in home and school life.

Speech and Language Services

Partnering with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is crucial for children with cerebral palsy, as CP can affect speech, language, and feeding abilities. An SLP helps improve communication, whether through spoken language, gestures, or assistive technology (AAC), and supports safe, effective eating and swallowing skills.

Intensive Therapy

Intensive therapy offers children with cerebral palsy the focused, high-frequency intervention needed to build strength, coordination, and functional skills more quickly. This concentrated approach can accelerate progress during critical developmental windows, helping children gain greater independence and confidence in daily life.

Massage for Spasticity

Infant massage promotes bonding, improves sleep, supports digestion, and soothes common discomforts like gas or colic through gentle, nurturing touch. At the Canadian Centre for Development, our certified Liddle Kids™ infant massage therapist provides specialized, evidence-informed techniques tailored to your baby’s developmental needs.

Other Services for your Child diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

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Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is not caused by one single factor. Instead, it’s often the result of a combination of early-life risks or events that impact brain development. Some of the more common causes include:

👶 Premature Birth

• Babies born before 37 weeks gestation are at higher risk for cerebral palsy.

• Prematurity accounts for up to 35–50% of CP diagnoses, due to increased vulnerability to brain injury.

🧠 Perinatal Stroke

• A perinatal stroke is a stroke that occurs shortly before, during, or just after birth.

• It is one of the leading causes of hemiparetic (one-sided) cerebral palsy in full-term infants, contributing to up to 60% of hemiplegic CP cases.

❗ Other Causes Can Include:

• Lack of oxygen during birth (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy)

• Severe jaundice in newborns

• Brain infections (like meningitis or encephalitis)

• Traumatic brain injury in early infancy

• Genetic factors or congenital brain malformations

The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with Cerebral Palsy

The most important step you can take after a CP diagnosis is to start intervention early. Research shows that the earlier therapy begins, the more progress your child can make during critical windows of brain development.
Early intervention can help with:
Motor skill development (sitting, crawling, walking)
Muscle tone regulation (reducing stiffness or floppiness)
Communication and speech
Feeding and swallowing
Social-emotional development
Family education and advocacy

What to Do Next

Build Your Child’s Support Team: This may include a pediatric physiotherapist that specializes in CP and other neuromotor delays, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and developmental pediatrician. At CCD, we bring these experts together under one roof for coordinated, family-centered care.
Understand Your Child’s Unique Needs: Cerebral palsy is highly individual. Your child’s abilities, challenges, and goals will guide their therapy plan. Regular assessments will help track progress and adapt strategies.
Access Funding and Community Resources: In Alberta, programs like FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) can help fund therapy, equipment, and respite care. We can guide you through this process and help with applications.
Stay Hopeful—and Connected: While CP is a lifelong condition, early and consistent therapy can make a significant difference in your child’s independence, comfort, and quality of life. Connecting with other families can also provide emotional support and practical tips.

Why Choose the Canadian Centre for Development?

At CCD, we specialize in working with infants and children diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. Our integrated team approach ensures that your child receives holistic care tailored to their specific needs. We also offer parent education, goal-focused therapy plans, and ongoing guidance to help you navigate every step of the journey. Since opening our doors in 2021, CCD has supported hundreds of children with Cerebral Palsy and its staff utilize specialized techniques and equipment to best assess and treat symptoms of CP.

Book an Appointment with a Neuromotor Physio for your Child with CP