Cerebral Palsy – Panasséa – Pediatric Therapy Centre in Malta

Understanding Cerebral Palsy: Personalized Therapy for Lifelong Growth

Empower your child with expert support, customized care, and therapeutic tools for living a fuller life with Cerebral Palsy. Whether you’re just receiving a diagnosis or have been navigating CP for years, Panasséa is here to walk beside your family every step of the way.

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What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain—often before or during birth, or shortly after—that disrupts normal motor control. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in 345 children.

There are several types of CP, including:

Spastic CP: Characterized by stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (most common).
Dyskinetic CP: Involuntary, uncontrolled movements.
Ataxic CP: Problems with balance and coordination.
Mixed CP: A combination of symptoms from different types.

Children with CP may experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild motor delays to more severe impairments that impact movement, communication, and independence. Common challenges include difficulty walking, trouble with fine motor tasks (like holding a pencil), muscle stiffness or floppiness, and delayed developmental milestones. Some children may also have related conditions like epilepsy, vision or hearing impairments, or learning differences.

Despite these challenges, many individuals with CP go on to lead active, meaningful lives—especially with early, consistent therapy. The goal is to support mobility, communication, and independence.

Quick Facts:

Affects about 1 in 345 children worldwide.
Caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth.
No known cure, but therapy can significantly improve quality of life.

Why Choose Panasséa?

Specialized Therapy That Adapts to Your Child

At Panasséa, we understand that each child with CP has unique strengths and needs. Our compassionate team is here to provide comprehensive, individualized care that grows with your child. From babies to teens, we support your family with experience, empathy, and expertise.

Multidisciplinary Approach: We combine physical, occupational, and speech therapy for holistic support.
Therapists Who Care: Our team has extensive experience working with children who have Cerebral Palsy, using techniques grounded in current research.
Family Empowerment: We guide you in supporting your child’s development at home with education and training.
Flexible Options: In-clinic therapy, home programs, and telehealth options are available.
Progress-Driven Care: We continually monitor and adapt therapy goals to meet your child’s evolving needs.

Services We Offer

Therapy Designed Around Your Child’s Needs

Physical Therapy (PT):
- Focuses on strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. Helps children learn to roll, sit, crawl, walk, or use mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
Occupational Therapy (OT):
- Develops fine motor skills, self-care routines (dressing, feeding), and sensory processing abilities. OT also helps improve independence and school readiness.
Speech and Language Therapy:
- Supports communication, speech clarity, and feeding or swallowing difficulties. We also assist with alternative communication devices (AAC).
Assistive Technology & Equipment:
- Guidance on supportive equipment like orthotics, positioning aids, and adaptive tools that promote function and comfort.
Parent & Caregiver Support:
- Training, counseling, and resources to help families manage care routines, therapy goals, and emotional wellbeing.

Explore Our Services in Detail

Understanding the Journey

How We Work With You

Initial Consultation:
- Meet with our team to share your child’s history and therapy goals. We listen closely and outline how we can help.
Comprehensive Evaluation:
- Assessments of movement, speech, daily living skills, and sensory needs. This allows us to identify key strengths and therapy priorities.
Personalized Therapy Plan:
- A customized roadmap outlining goals, session frequency, and home support strategies.
Ongoing Care & Review:
- Regular progress check-ins and updates to the plan as your child’s needs change. We maintain close communication to ensure your family feels supported and informed.

Common Questions:

When should we start therapy? As early as possible—ideally before age 2. Early intervention helps lay the foundation for movement and communication.
What results can we expect? Every child is different, but therapy can improve mobility, coordination, communication, and overall participation in daily life.
Do you collaborate with schools? Yes! We work with teachers and IEP teams to align therapy goals and support classroom success.

FAQ

Q: Can children with CP go to regular schools? A: Many do! With proper support and accommodations, children with CP can attend mainstream or inclusive classrooms.

Q: What is the difference between CP and a developmental delay? A: CP is a lifelong condition caused by brain injury, while developmental delays can sometimes be temporary or caused by other factors. However, both may benefit from similar therapies.

Q: Does my child need therapy forever? A: Not necessarily. While some children benefit from long-term support, others may meet their goals and transition to less frequent care. Our team adapts your plan over time.

Q: Is Cerebral Palsy progressive? A: No—the brain injury does not worsen over time. However, symptoms can change as your child grows, which is why ongoing support is important.