Assessment is based upon:

- Clinical examinations: to examine range of motion and muscle conditions and to measure spasticity according to Modified Ashworth Scale.

-Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Motor Function Measure (MFM) measure changes over time of functional motor skills in both children with cerebral palsy and young people with neuromuscular disease. The measures are made for clinical usage and research.

-Gait analysis: to assess the walking and measure body movements and mechanics, in addition to muscle activity

Rehabilitation is eventually expected to:

-Inhibit spasticity and abnormal reflexes and movement patterns

-Develop normal postural control against gravity and normal motor development and function

 - Stimulate and facilitate normal muscle tone, equilibrium responses, and normal movement

- Prevent contractures and deformities

SESOBEL’s physiotherapy rehabilitation is mainly based upon the Neuro-Developmental Treatment approach (NDT). 

The Physiotherapy unit organizes and runs orthopedic consultations. The consultations bring in pediatric orthopedic surgeons, orthotists and physiotherapists.

The team operates in collegial manner, especially when it comes to diagnosis and therapeutical decisions.

The Physiotherapy unit is also in close collaboration with hospitals and medical and paramedical centres in order to provide radiological examinations and botulinum toxin injection.

The unit as well collaborates with orthotists in order to manufacture splints that children and youth might need.

Patients with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disease or severe and multiple disabilities may suffer from ventilatory disorders due to respiratory muscle weakness, chest deformities, dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Bronchial congestion, therefore, might occur.

SESOBEL’s specialized Respiratory Unit provides treatment and prevention for children and the young in need.

Respiratory management consists of:

- Assessment of patients’ respiratory conditions conducted by a physiotherapist.

- Pneumological Consultations: organized by physiotherapist and run at SESOBEL in collaboration with pneumologists and pediatric pneumologists.

During consultations, doctors might ask for additional tests in order to devise treatment plans appropriate for children’s health conditions.

-Tests may include radiography, pulse oximetry, capnography, polygraphy, pulmonary function tests (PFT), as well as arterial blood gas test (ABG). They might be carried out at hospitals, the centre or home.

- Respiratory treatment includes manual or instrumental techniques that depend on every child’s illness, age, tolerance, fatigability during treatment, as well as congestion.

*Manual treatment consists of active and passive mobilization of the chest, airway clearance maneuver, as well as directed or induced cough.

*Instrumental treatment requires the use of devices such as IPPB (like Alpha and Porta Bird) and cough-assist devices.

Treatment could be carried out at the centre or at home.

In case of respiratory failure, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is prescribed and performed while devices such as BiPAP and CPAP ventilators and oxygen concentrators.

-Parental guidance: Physiotherapists should provide the family with simple manual techniques for airway clearance and the use of ventilation devices in order to prevent accidents and ensure treatment continuity.

The Emergency Service is available 24/ 24 for parents and is ready to respond to different demands anytime.