Cerebral Palsy Treatment Success: 7-Year-Old Walks Independently in 3 Months 

Meerub, a 7-year-old girl from Mandi Bahauddin, came to our hospital unable to stand or walk independently despite having surgery one year earlier. After 3 months of consistent physiotherapy treatment, she achieved the remarkable milestone of independent walking. 

Patient Background 

Patient: Meerub, 7-year-old female

Location: Mandi Bahauddin

Chief Complaint: Unable to stand or walk independently

Previous Treatment: Hamstring and Achilles tendon lengthening surgery (both legs) one year prior

Medical History: Birth asphyxia with delayed developmental milestones

Presenting Symptoms

When Meerub arrived at our physiotherapy clinic in Mandi Bahauddin, she presented with:

• Unable to stand independently

• Unable to walk despite surgical intervention one year earlier

• Complete dependence for mobility and transfers

• History of developmental delays

• Parents concerned about her future independence

Initial Assessment and Clinical Findings 

Our detailed pediatric physiotherapy assessment revealed:

Functional Status

• Able to sit independently (achieved milestone)

• Unable to stand without support

• Unable to walk

Tone Assessment

Increased muscle tone (spasticity) in:

• Hip adductors (bilateral)

• Hamstrings (bilateral)

• Achilles tendons (bilateral)

Range of Motion Assessment

Restricted movement in:

• Ankle dorsiflexion (limited)

• Knee extension combined with hip flexion (reduced)

• Hip abduction (reduced)

Muscle Strength Assessment

Decreased power in:

• Quadriceps muscles (thigh muscles)

• Tibialis anterior muscles (shin muscles)

Clinical Diagnosis

Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy characterized by increased tone in bilateral lower limbs affecting the hamstrings, hip adductors,

and tendo-achilles, resulting in functional limitations in standing and walking.

Pediatric Physiotherapy Treatment Plan

Duration: 3 months

Frequency: 6 days per week

Approach: Individualized, comprehensive rehabilitation program

Phase 1 (Month 1): Foundation Building

Electrotherapy

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS):

• Duration: 30 minutes per session

• Target muscles: Quadriceps and tibialis anterior

• Purpose: Activate and strengthen weak muscles

Stretching Program:

• Tibialis anterior stretching

• Hamstring stretching (bilateral)

• Hip adductor stretching (bilateral)

• Knee-to-chest exercises

• Piriformis stretching

Purpose is to reduce spasticity and improve joint flexibility.

Strengthening Exercises:

• Bridging exercises (hip and core strengthening)

• Prone-on-elbow exercises (trunk stability)

Swiss Ball Therapy

Advanced exercises including:

• Balance training on Swiss ball

• Equilibrium exercises

• Sensory integration activities

• Postural awareness training

Benefits: Essential for developing the stability needed for standing and walking independently

Phase 2 (Month 2): Functional Training

Progressive exercises added:

• Step-up exercises

• Sit-to-stand transfers with assistance

• Advanced Swiss ball activities

• Increased strengthening intensity

Milestone Achieved: Meerub began standing independently by end of month 2!

Phase 3 (Month 3): Walking Training

Advanced functional activities:

• Jumping on Swiss ball

• Pushing Swiss ball in lying position

• Kicking Swiss ball exercises

• Pre-gait activities

• Supported walking practice

Initial Progress:

• Meerub began taking her first steps

• Frequent falls initially (normal part of learning process)

• Gradual improvement in balance and confidence

Milestone Achieved: Meerub's Independent walking achieved after 3 months of consistent physiotherapy!

Treatment Results After 3 Months

After 3 months of consistent physiotherapy treatment, Meerub achieved the following outstanding results: 

✅ Mobility:

• From unable to stand → Standing independently

• From unable to walk → Walking independently

• Improved balance and coordination

✅ Muscle Function:

• Increased quadriceps strength

• Improved tibialis anterior activation

• Reduced spasticity in lower limbs

• Better range of motion in all restricted joints

✅ Functional Independence:

• Independent mobility

• Improved self-confidence

• Better quality of life

• Enhanced participation in age-appropriate activities

If you or someone you know is experiencing similar symptoms, early intervention can make all the difference.  Contact Now