About Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Activity Helping disabled children to have an independent and fulfulling life
Website www.bobath.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 229663
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The Bobath Centre is a specialist clinic providing therapy for children with cerebral palsy and associated neurological conditions.
The Bobath approach to the treatment and management of cerebral palsy is internationally recognised and our therapists have improved the quality of life of thousands of children over the last 50 years.
What is cerebral palsy?
The term cerebral palsy describes a group of disorders affecting body movement, posture and muscle co-ordination. The condition is the result of damage to the brain and usually occurs around birth, although serious head injury, stroke and viral infection (e.g. Meningitis) are also causes. Other conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, speech or communication disorders and sensory impairments are also common. One in 400 children in the UK will show signs of the condition.
Cerebral palsy can make simply activities, like walking, dressing and eating difficult. It can limit what a child can do and restrict their ability to learn and interact with the world. If the condition is not treated there may also be serious physical complications as they get older.
Finding ways to help a child to move more easily
At the Bobath Centre, help a child to move more easily by developing control of their posture and muscles and improving the range and quality of movement.
No two children with cerebral palsy are the same and their condition a can often be complicated by a related disability, such as autism. At the Bobath Centre, we have specialists who are able to treat the most difficult cases and can work as a team to support a child with complex needs.
A key feature of treatment is the use of specialised handling techniques developed to encourage a greater variety and range of movement. These are used by:
Physiotherapists to promote and maintain physical function, e.g. reducing stiffness in muscles
Occupational therapists to give children the skills for living, e.g. helping them to dress themselves; and
Speech & language therapists who work on communication skills and eating and swallowing difficulties
Parents are involved
Parents and carers are an essential part of the treatment plan. We encourage them to participate in therapy sessions, where they learn to understand their child?s needs and incorporate positioning techniques into daily life. They can also build up a relationship with their therapist who can give advice and guidance specific to their child.
The Bobath approach benefits the majority of children we see and can give parents renewed strength and confidence in the knowledge that their child is receiving the best treatment available.