Bobath therapy is a holistic approach to the treatment and management of people who have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or an allied neurological condition. This means that all aspects of a person’s life are considered and assessed in respect to the particular challenges Cerebral Palsy (or allied condition) presents to them as an individual.
While altered tone and altered patterns of co-ordination are key features of Cerebral Palsy, the person may also be affected by associated difficulties such as:
- disruption of (the processing of) information that is coming in: this can include disturbances of vision, perception, balance, proprioception, hearing, touch
- issues with cognition including processing of information
- epilepsy
- gastro-oesophageal reflux
- secondary complications which have developed over time such as contractures and/or deformities.
The impact of each of these areas are considered & addressed accordingly.
As Bobath therapists we work together as a trans-disciplinary team, combining the disciplines of speech & language, occupational and physiotherapy in order to most efficiently help individuals work towards achieving their goals & dreams.
This starts with us listening to the person’s concerns and then setting functional, meaningful goals together with them. We will assess potential for change and analyse how to achieve these changes – identifying priorities and identifying energy-efficient ways of performing tasks. Activities are practised until the individual is confident that they can implement these into their everyday life. The aim is for individuals to fully participate and feel included within their communities.
Cerebral palsy is a life-long condition and Bobath therapists consider each person’s changing needs over time. We aim for individuals and/or their carers to develop the knowledge, skills & confidence to take charge of their own progress – being able to ask for extra help when needed.
All our therapists have successfully completed the 8-week basic Bobath training and have attended Advanced Bobath courses & other relevant training including discipline-specific professional development.
Our therapists possess an in-depth understanding of current scientific principles that govern child development, motor control & learning, neuroplasticity and neuropathological processes. This knowledge underpins their clinical reasoning and considers both neurological and developmental perspectives. This shared basis of knowledge and reasoning ensures that Bobath therapists from each discipline are able to work in a transdisciplinary way while remaining specialists within their own fields.
