Dystonic CP
Dystonia is an extrapyramidal subtype of dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) in which involuntary movements occur due to dysfunction of the basal ganglia in the brain.
How TheraTogs Can Help
The presence of uncontrolled movements interferes with the processing of somatosensory information from muscles, joints, and skin, with the acquisition and maintenance of postural control , and with effective limb use. Because trunk control is the foundation of movement acquisition, we recommend using TheraTogs garments and strapping to increase body awareness and to help to organize and “ground” the muscles of the torso.
Example:
The clinician might apply strapping that mimics the muscles that connect the thorax to the pelvis on the front and back sides of the body- or use strapping that delivers deep proprioceptive input through the spine and hips.
Which TheraTogs Systems to Use
These TheraTogs system can support therapy goals for clients with dystonic CP:
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Full Body System (FBS) – comes with limb strapping components.
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Wunzi System – for infants and young preschoolers.
Applicable Evidence, Science, and Therapy Approaches
Evidence. In the videos offered here, Kylie demonstrates how TheraTogs give her strength, balance, and function:
Sciences that apply to the management of dystonic CP:
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Somatosensory information processing and modulation
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Neural plasticity: cortical mapping and massed practice
Therapy approaches that can be used to address dystonic CP:
More About Dystonic CP
Dystonia is characterized by muscle spasms of the limbs, trunk, and neck which can be difficult to control and sometimes painful, and by the assumption of abnormal, sustained postures. The spasms cause a range of different unwanted movements. Dystonic movements usually appear in combination with high and/or low muscle tone. For this reason, the condition is often described as having cerebral palsy with dystonia.