TheraSuit Helps Cerebral Palsy Patients Strengthen Muscles

A therapy requiring a special getup resembling a spacesuit is being used among some cerebral palsy patients. Called a TheraSuit and involving bars by elastic cords, the intensive cerebral palsy therapy challenges the innate weakness of the patient’s muscles.

The cerebral palsy treatment gives the patient a new conception of balance intended on showing the possibility of improving mobility. Patients involved hope the cerebral palsy therapy will help advance them from wheelchairs, walkers or other devices that aide with walking.

Even things like getting out of bed or into the shower, that can often require assistance depending on the cerebral palsy, can sometimes be helped by improving balance and fine motor skills. The TheraSuit was designed by scientists in Poland based on studies of Russian cosmonauts who used similar suits to offset the damaging effects of weightlessness on their bones. Many cerebral palsy patients are unable to experience the sensation of muscles moving against and through the force of gravity, so it makes it even more difficult to understand how to use their foot onto the ground to stand up.

Utilizing the suit consisting of a vest, shorts and knee sleeves that are connected by elastic bands, the suit helps teach cerebral palsy patients to more efficiently use their muscles at the same time they correct the bad habits formed as a result of muscle weakness. The way the suit compresses the body can be a difficult adjustment, but therapists utilizing the suit hope its efforts will pay off in the end.

Does your child suffer from cerebral palsy? Contact us to learn about available treatment options or to speak with a cerebral palsy lawyer who can help explain your child's legal rights.