The Long Game of Living with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a life long condition that affects movement and posture. While historically the focus of CP management was primarily on childhood intervention, modern medicine and therapeutic practice now recognise the critical importance of maintaining function and quality of life as individuals transition into adulthood and later life. This is the "long game”, and every session you attend at our Healthstin Moss Vale clinic in BlueFit is a crucial step in preparing for the years ahead.
For our valued clients utilising NDIS rehabilitation Moss Vale, the goal is always independence. However, as the body ages, the physical demands of daily life, especially transfers, walking, and personal care, can significantly increase. This is why proactive, targeted strength building now can be one of the most important investments you make in your future independence.
The Unique Challenges of Aging with CP
Aging presents a set of challenges for people with CP that may be accelerated compared to the general population. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward effective intervention:
1. Supporting the Musculoskeletal System
The continuous effort required to move against spasticity and muscle weakness throughout life can place chronic strain on the musculoskeletal system.
Managing Joint Health: A lifetime of atypical gait patterns and uneven loading of joints can lead to premature joint changes, particularly in the hips, knees, and ankles.
Secondary Muscle Support: Muscles often work harder and less efficiently, which may lead to chronic fatigue. Seeking neuro physiotherapy early can help manage these compensations.
Bone Density Considerations: Many adults with CP are at a higher risk of reduced bone density. Targeted exercise physiology for Adults with Cerebral Palsy in Moss Vale focuses on safe weight bearing exercises to support bone health.
2. Maintaining Functional Capacity
As natural age related muscle loss (sarcopenia) occurs, it can be compounded by existing CPrelated muscle weakness, leading to a decline in functional capacity if not proactively managed.
Support for Transfers: Tasks that rely on lower limb and core strength, getting in and out of bed or rising from a chair, can become significantly more challenging.
Endurance for Community Access: Even for ambulatory adults, walking longer distances can become more taxing, potentially reducing community access, a key goal within the NDIS framework.
Proactive Strength Building: The Healthstin Approach
The key to addressing these challenges is a structured, consistent, and highly individualised program. Our approach at Healthstin focuses on functional strength, building the capacity to perform the specific movements you need every single day.
Focus on Functional Strength for Transfers
Transfers are the foundation of daily independence. Every transfer is fundamentally a controlled, single leg stance or squat. Our NDIS exercise physiology Moss Vale programs are strategically designed to target the muscle groups essential for these movements:
Lower Limb Strength: We focus on the quadriceps, gluteal muscles, and hamstrings to provide the power needed to drive upwards from a chair.
Core Stability: A strong core is essential for stable transfers, helping to ensure power is translated into smooth, controlled movement.
Upper Body Support: While transfers are primarily lower body, the upper body is crucial for bracing and pushing off surfaces.
Managing Spasticity and Promoting Range of Motion
Strength training must be balanced with flexibility and spasticity management. Our clinicians with experience with Cerebral palsy physiotherapy Moss Vale carefully integrate:
Stretching and Mobility Work: Targeting key muscle groups like the hip flexors and hamstrings aim to improve joint range and make movement more energy efficient.
Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Exercise): Available through BlueFit Moss Vale, the warmth and buoyancy of the water facilitate a greater range of movement, assisting in the temporary management of spasticity and allowing for strengthening in a supportive environment.
Your NDIS and DVA Health Partner in Moss Vale
At Healthstin, we work to translate your funding into functional goals.
| Funding Type | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| NDIS | Capacity Building | Working towards improved daily living, mobility and community participation. |
| DVA | Clinical Maintenance | Support for managing secondary conditions and long term functions. |
NDIS Participants: Our services typically fall under categories like Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. We collaborate closely with you, your support coordinator, and your family to ensure that your strength and mobility goals are clearly defined, measurable, and directly linked to your NDIS plan objectives.
The Message is Simple: Build Your Reserve Today
While the physical changes that come with aging affect everyone, for adults with Cerebral Palsy, building "reserve capacity" is a proactive way to support long term independence.
Whether you are looking for university qualified Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Moss Vale or comprehensive NDIS rehabilitation Moss Vale, we are here to support your journey.
Invest in Your Future Independence
Ready to build the strength you need for today and for the years ahead?
Proactive movement is a powerful tool for maintaining long term function. By starting a targeted strengthening program at Healthstin Moss Vale now, you are focusing on building the physical capacity and confidence necessary to support your independence as you age.
Ready to take the next step toward your health goals? Book Your Initial Consultation Here or call Healthstin at 1300 090 931 to discuss how your NDIS, HCP, DVA, or WC funding can support your long term goals and schedule your functional capacity screening today!
Referring a client? Access our simple Online Referral Form to connect your client with accredited neurological and functional support in Moss Vale.
Disclaimer & Terms of Use
Healthstin provides evidence based exercise physiology and physiotherapy services. Clinical progress and functional outcomes are individualised and depend on a variety of factors, including the specific condition, personal health goals, and adherence to the prescribed exercise program.