12
Mar 2019
Trials in Kinesio taping offer a possible breakthrough for children with cerebral palsy
An essential part of development for children with cerebral palsy is posture control, which not only improves balance when standing or sitting, but is also a significant factor in motor function.
However, the performance of posture is complex and may take several different forms. Up until now, therapy has ranged from physiotherapy and exercise to posture-control insoles and equine-assisted therapy.
Recently, however, researchers have looked at posture improvement techniques, in particular for sitting. A study earlier this month examined the effects of Kinesio taping compared with neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
Kinesio taping is a type of therapy which is designed to support joints and muscles. The process entails attaching latex-free tape to particular areas of the body, microscopically lifting the skin. This method offers treatment for a variety of neuromuscular, neurological and orthopaedic conditions by reducing inflammation and pain in the somatosensory system.
The tape can remain in place for several days at a time, depending on the patient’s individual needs, and has proven extremely effective for treating pain associated with cerebral palsy.
The recent study looked at the effects of Kinesio taping relative to two other forms of therapy – neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT).
NDT has long been used in improving movement and posture of children with cerebral palsy. It involves general manual contact to assist the patient with using their muscles, and shifting their weight and body alignment.
During the study, a group of 75 children were split into three smaller groups. Three therapies (NDT, KT (Kinesio taping) and NMES (a strengthening treatment that sends electrical impulses to the nerves)) were used in each group. One group received only NDT treatment and the other two had NMES and KT treatment in addition to the NDT.
Following four weeks of treatment, the results showed that sitting ability had improved in all of the children. The most improvement was seen in the KT and NMES groups, with NMES being the most effective of all. The conclusion of the study was that for any children who are currently undergoing neurodevelopmental therapy, adding NMES or KT to their treatment could prove to be beneficial.
Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record. The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence. He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims. Tony also acts as the Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled. Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk. Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win-no fee solicitors for free legal advice on the freephone number below.
Freephone: 0800 304 7382
- Like this ? Share with friends