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Infants and children who have been diagnosed with Cerebral palsy are referred for ongoing therapies at the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre (OCTC).

Physiotherapy through Action Potential Rehabilitation may be indicated when:

• Your child is on a waiting list for physiotherapy at OCTC
• Your child would respond better being treated at home
• It is difficult for you to transport your child to therapy appointments
• Your child would benefit from Pool Therapy
• Your child requires more frequent therapy than is currently available
• Your child is not eligible to receive physiotherapy services from OCTC (Quebec resident or school-age child)

When there has been damage to the central nervous system (brain), there can be difficulty with initiation of movement, muscle imbalance, tightness in muscles (spasticity or contractures) and impaired balance. Physiotherapy can improve mobility, strengthen weak muscles and help your child develop functional skills such as sitting and crawling. Your child's physiotherapist will work closely with you to teach you the optimal way to hold and move your child, and help them develop the movement skills that they need.

In seeking physiotherapy treatment for your child with Cerebral Palsy, it is important that you inquire as to the background and training of the therapist to ensure that they have expertise in treating children with developmental disabilities. Physiotherapists used to working with children with developmental disabilities are knowledgeable about re-education of movement, treating altered muscle tone, and improving balance and gait.

The paediatric physiotherapists at Action Potential Rehabilitation have worked extensively with infants and children with movement disorders like Cerebral Palsy. They have taken many specialized courses in treatment approaches such as Motor Relearning, NeuroDevelopmental Treatment (NDT) / Bobath and Medek. They also have training in techniques such as Kinesiotaping and Myofascial Release, which can be beneficial adjuncts to Hands-on Physiotherapy

Our therapists are familiar with paediatric equipment (standers, gait trainers, adapted tricycles, theratogs, AFO's etc) and current best practices in physiotherapy for children. They can provide you with the support and treatment that your child needs to help them reach their potential.