Cerebral palsy: physical, speech, and occupational therapy, per NINDS
NINDS says that in cerebral palsy (CP), “Physical therapy, usually in the first few years of life, is an important part of CP treatment,” and describes what speech and language therapy and occupational therapy do. This page quotes NINDS only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: NINDS’s Cerebral Palsy page (last reviewed on March 13, 2026).
Treatment overview
NINDS states: “Cerebral palsy can't be cured, but treatment can help improve the child’s abilities. There is no standard therapy that works for every person with CP.” And: “The earlier treatment begins, the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities.”
Physical, speech, and occupational therapy
- Physical therapy: “Stretching, resistance, and strength training programs and activities can maintain or improve muscle strength, balance, and movement skills—and prevent contractures (chronic muscle shortening).”
- Speech and language therapy: “Speech and language therapy can improve a child's ability to speak and help with swallowing disorders. It can help people learn new ways to communicate, such as using sign language or special communication devices (like a computer with a voice synthesizer).”
- Occupational therapy: “Occupational therapy focuses on improving function and making the most of a child's mobility. Occupational therapists help people address new ways to do activities and manage everyday routines at home, school, and in the community.”
Devices and adults with CP
NINDS states: “Assistive devices—such as computer software, voice synthesizers, and picture books—can help people with CP improve communications skills.” It says mobility devices such as orthotics, braces, special chairs, walkers, and wheelchairs can help people with CP move and sit more comfortably (paraphrased; NINDS’s sentence has a typo). It adds that “adults with CP can develop unique health challenges that may increase in severity with age.”
What this page does not do
It does not repeat NINDS’s CP types, causes, medicine list, or surgery descriptions. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, device, or product. Scope of practice is set by state law; check your state board.