What exercises would you recommend for a client with cerebral palsy, vision and balance/depth perception issues?
I have a potential client who has cerebral palsy with vision and balance/depth perception issues, but is very eager to start a training regimen. I have requested he get doctor clearance before I start training him. I believe this will not be a problem and am wondering what type of exercises to start with.
Hello,Steve!
Cerebral palsy the most common cause of physical disability in children, cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neuromuscular disorders caused by prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal damage to the upper motor neurons.
Your client is not child?
Another very serious conditions is cerebral aneurism.I recommend you, Steve,call the doctor and figure out what conditions have your client.
Exercises to improve balance, coordination, strength and functional activities are recommended. However, make sure the person has had physical therapy, has clearance from a doctor and it is your responsibility to stay in contact with his/her physician and the PT, detailing what you are planning to do with the client.
Best of luck to you
Hi Steve,
this is taking on an awful lot …. Joanne makes some important points. A doctor’s sign-off only covers you to a degree.
There cannot be any doubt that this potential client has seen a physical therapist, and I would start by getting the contact information and talking to that person.
I can imagine how very much you want to help this person but you will need to assess very carefully whether this is within your scope.
Here is what I would do.
I would ask myself:
1. What do I know about cerebral palsy?
2. Does my client know more about his condition than I do?
3. What knowledge do I have regarding working with populations with brain injuries or pathologies of the central nervous system?
4. Do I know the different types of cerebral palsy?
5. Do I understand what the word palsy means?
6. Do I know what assessments to use with this client?
7. Does my professional liability insurance cover me when I work with individuals with diagnosed clinical conditions?
I hope this gives you some direction.