Difference between Tightness and Contractures in Cerebral Palsy | Plexus

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive motor disorder that occurs in about two to three live births per 1000. Patients experience a variety of mobility issues over their lifespan, as well as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. In this article, we will take you through what these difficulties may look like and how we can improve the child’s quality of life.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

CP is a group of disorders that results in impaired physical mobility, coordination, and sense of balance. It is caused by the abnormal development of the brain or irreparable damage to the immature and developing brain while in-utero, at the time of birth, within the first month of birth, or even during a child’s first year.

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy such as stem cell therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy can improve functionality and enable a more independent way of life.

Tightness vs contractures

About 75% of CP cases are spastic in nature. Spasticity is formally defined as a velocity-dependent resistance to stretching. Children with CP may have spasticity in two or more limbs. It may vary in its severity - mild, moderate, or severe. Spasticity makes it difficult to move from one position to another. It also affects the child’s ability to perform activities that engage specific muscle groups, such as bending down to pick up something.

A contracture is a fixed shortening in muscle length. It is often a result of muscle tightness or spasticity, wherein the muscle becomes so short over time that the child cannot straighten their limb even when the muscle is relaxed. Muscle contractures may become more evident as the child grows and displays an inability to fully extend joints.

Both tightness and contractures can affect gait and the movement of limbs. But there is a marked difference between the two.

When a therapist examines your child, they will determine whether your child is experiencing muscle tightness, contractures, or both. The treatment plan will then be tailored accordingly for maximum benefit.

Treatment and physiotherapy

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are essential for children with CP. They help ease muscle pain and regain functionality in the affected limbs. Some of the elements that a therapist might choose to include in your child’s physiotherapy plan are:

• Guided stretching: This helps relax the muscles, reduce spasticity, increase range of motion, and lengthen the soft tissue for better joint mobility. Studies have shown that stretching can improve agility in children with CP. Try to get your child to perform stretches every day, especially after periods of physical activity. You can make it a fun family time, or even a part of winding down before bedtime.
• Positioning and splinting: Children with CP may require postural support to attain different positions or what is otherwise known as positioning. Using supportive devices, like splints, would help your child in keeping their limbs straight and prevent joint contractures. These practices are meant to help your little one experience and develop more ways of movement and prevent secondary complications.
• Assistive devices: Your child’s therapist may recommend the use of a brace to support the joint and enable correct movement. Braces also help prevent joint injury. Your child could also need a walker or a wheelchair to get around.

A note to parents here: Supportive and assistive devices do not define your child’s condition. At no point should empathy turn into sympathy. Remember, your child can lead a full, independent and happy life even with cerebral palsy.

While muscle tightness and contractures can severely impede movement, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will never be able to walk. With the right treatment and the use of assistive devices as needed, your child can regain mobility over the years, and even walk independently. It is crucial therefore, to intervene at an early stage so that your child can be relieved of pain, and reap the benefits of the right treatment as soon as possible.

Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

In autologous stem cell therapy, stem cells are derived from the child’s bone marrow, processed and cultured in the lab to become new neurons and then they are injected back into the child’s body. In the last few years, stem cell research and therapy have shown incredible potential and achieved positive results in the treatment of CP. Reduced symptoms, relief from pain, better mobility, and other significant improvements have been seen in children with CP.

As parents, we want our children to have the best of everything in this world. We want to give them the world. Even if your child has cerebral palsy, your wish remains the same - the best in the world for your little one.

As India’s leading hospital for stem cell therapy, Plexus also aims to provide only the best for your little one. Our stem cell experts have over a decade of experience in stem cell research. Our team of stem cell specialists is headed by Dr. Na’eem Sadiq, one of India’s most renowned stem cell specialists and neurologist.

Book an appointment with us today.

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A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS