Having cerebral palsy has had a big impact on my life. When I was younger it really limited what activities I could do, both physically and socially. I struggled with coordination and balance, which meant playing sports or taking part in other activities further than juggling was difficult. Cerebral palsy affects the motor functions of the brain, which can lead to weakness, spasticity (tightness), or stiffness in one or more limbs. It is a lifelong condition that does not get any easier as you get older but instead gets harder as your mobility declines. Knowing why and how you were born with cerebral palsy is key to understanding how it impacts your life. The earlier you understand its implications on your daily life, the sooner you can start making steps towards living the best life possible with CP.
Physical limitations
The main physical limitations of cerebral palsy are muscle tone and strength. This means there is an imbalance between how much you can contract and how much you can relax your muscles. This imbalance can make movement difficult, and sometimes impossible. Cerebral palsy is a communication disorder between your brain and your muscles. It affects different people to different degrees and in different ways. It can lead to difficulty with movement, coordination and balance, and concurrent issues such as back pain. Cerebral palsy can be seen in the muscles of any part of the body but it is most commonly found in the limbs and the face. The degree to which these physical limitations affect your daily life will be largely dependant on the severity of your condition. What is important is that you find ways to work around them to live the best life possible with CP.
Limited social opportunities
Cerebral palsy has a big impact on social opportunities. It can be a big reason why you are having trouble making friends, or having a hard time fitting in at school or in your community. Although growing up with a physical disability alongside your peers can be difficult, it can also be a great source of learning about empathy and your own self-confidence. Cerebral palsy can make it difficult to participate in recreational activities in school and in your community. You might miss out on school field trips or football games with your friends.
Mobility aids and equipment
Cerebral palsy can influence the types of mobility aids or equipment you might need. However, you should always check with your doctor to make sure that what you want is medically safe for you. – Wheelchairs – If you have trouble walking, or are having frequent falls, a wheelchair is a wonderful piece of equipment. It gives you independence and the ability to live the life you want. – Crutches – If you don’t need a wheelchair but have trouble walking, crutches can be a great tool to help you walk without putting too much strain on your leg muscles. – Wheelchairs with leg supports – Sometimes people with cerebral palsy are unable to use their legs as a support, which is where leg supports come in. – Elastic braces – Elastic braces can be used to help prevent muscle contractures and spasticity. – Walking canes – Walking canes are used when the support you need from crutches isn’t enough. – Specialized seats in cars – If you have trouble sitting upright, a specialized seat in your car can help keep you upright, comfortable, and safe.
Activities you can do
For the most part, you can do the same activities as everybody else. The only difference is how you go about doing them. So gather your friends, family, and CP support team and get out there doing what you love! As long as you are safe and being mindful of precautions, you can do anything you want. There is absolutely nothing you can’t do! There are a few things you may need to be mindful of, such as a doctor’s orders and your physical abilities. – Sports – Sports are a great way to stay healthy, meet new people, and challenge yourself. Most sports are open to people with and without disabilities. – Carving out time for yourself – No matter who you are or what your limitations are, you should carve out time for yourself each week. Make sure you are taking care of your health and mental well-being. – Volunteering – You can use your strengths to give back to your community and help others who may be struggling with disabilities, just like you.
Final words
Cerebral palsy is a condition that impacts millions of people. It is important to understand what has happened to you in order to move forward in a positive way. You can do all of the same things as everybody else, the only difference is how you go about doing them. So gather your friends, family, and CP support team and get out there doing what you love! With the right support, medication, and exercises you can lead a full and independent life. And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire someone else with CP along the way!