Eureka! Institutional Repository

This thesis begins with the basics of the cerebral palsy, as well as the statistics of it, the way it is diagnosed and how it is categorized, the parameters on which the condition of the patient depends on, and of course the course of the disease. It describes the functionality and the limitations of the patients, shows the pathological situations in which they might be getting into, and explains the way a physical therapy program is created. After that follow the methods and the ways such a patient can be treated from the point of view of a physical therapist. The neurodevelopmental therapy methods are analyzed, as well as animal assisted therapy, along with other alternative therapies. The tools used in a typical physical therapy session are mentioned in a list. The second part of the thesis centers on the role of the parent and the way in which he can interfere with the kinetic development of his child, with the guidance of course of a physical therapist. There was also an analysis of ways in which the techniques and methods of physical therapy for the child with cerebral palsy could be taught, the different tools that could be used, as well as the many ways one could get knowledge and opinions on the ways a child with cerebral palsy could be treated. Finally the reality of the situation was discussed, in Greece as well as abroad, improvements for the current services were proposed, predictions were made about the possibility of development of the particular branch of physical therapy.