Birth Injury Victims Benefit From Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is useful for many injuries caused by birth trauma such as cerebral palsy, brain injuries, Erb's palsy and facial palsy. Physical therapists work with children with birth complications to improve muscle function, motor skills, coordination and other physical movements. Parents of the child are often asked to continue physical therapy exercises when the therapist is not available to continue the muscle training and agility work.
Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy Treated With Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can take place in a hospital or care facility or at home, depending on the needs of the child and equipment necessary to conduct the therapy session. The types of therapy your child may need include:
- Neurological physical therapy: A branch of therapy that is most useful for children diagnosed with a brain injury or cerebral palsy because it focuses on therapy that benefits the brain and the body actions tied to the brain. The therapist will work on activities designed to improve movement, muscle strength, vision and balance.
- Orthopedic therapy: This area of physical therapy specializes in the treatment of disorders involving the bones and nerves. A birth injury such as shoulder dystocia or a fracture due to brachial plexus injury may be managed by orthopedic therapy. The therapist will work on extending the limb function or improving the use of the injured body part.
Physical therapy is extremely useful and often necessary to increase motor function and mobility, but it can be extremely expensive. The cost per session can exceed thousands of dollars depending on the equipment, time and experience of the therapist. In addition to physical therapy, other treatment such as occupational therapy or speech and language therapy may be useful to improve your child's quality of life.
If a doctor or nurse negligently harmed your child, causing serious birth injury, physical therapy expenses may be factored into the damages you may be eligible to receive for your baby.
Learn More About Your Physical Therapy Options
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling birth injury cases.
To discuss your child's birth injury with one of our professionals, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve clients across the United States.
