Background & Aims

The pain children suffer when they have CP (Cerebral palsy) is a problematic that can affect their quality of life, their ability to move and their development. Therefore, this research looks forward to describing, based on a narrative review, the role of physiotherapy when treating pain coming from a CP.

Methods

A retrospective documentary search was conducted, using the following data bases: PubMed, OVID, PeDro and Scielo, using connectors (AND), (OR); the terms used in the data bases were MESH Cerebral Palsy, Pediatrics, Pain Management, Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain and Physical therapy. The inclusion criteria were pediatric population, languages as Spanish, English, Portuguese or French, researches that include physiotherapy intervention, underlying pathology or cerebral palsy. The researches were selected by tittle reading, then summaries reading and finally reading the entire document. Information were obtained by using PICO format (Patient, Intervantion, Comparison, Outcome).

Results

During the research process a total of (n=373) articles were found, from wich (n=363) were deleted, including a total (n=10). There are two main categories directed by the physiotherapy intervention regarding CP patients: pain assessment and interaction with pain management. The studies show positive results for the pain management in pediatric patients with CP, coming from physiotherapies interventions in modalities such as therapeutic massage, relaxation training, biofeedback and interventions within motor function. Conclusions: The approach that have been made to pain care in children with CP by the physiotherapy seeks to be preventive, curative and rehabilitative, eventhough not all the conditions are 100 % curable. The main purpose is to enhance the child welfare and quality of life by providing them with the greatest comfort and funcionality possible.

Conclusions

Conclusions highlight that the purpose and approach for pain care in pediatric patients seek to be preventive, curative and rehabilitative. The research acknowledges that not all the conditions are 100% curable but the main purpose is to enhance the quality of life and the welfare of the children, by giving them the greatest possible comfort and functionality. This integral approach reflects the importance of physiotherapy as a fundamental piece for treating this cases, contributing not only to pain management but also to the general welfare and the functional developing of children with cerebral palsy. On the other hand, the contribution of this research is related with the deepening of knowledge inside of this field, around the therapeutic management, and will lead to more comprehensive physiotherapeutic interventions that contribute to a better evolution.

References

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Presenting Author

Paula Ahumada

Poster Authors

Aydee Robayo

Pt, MsC, PhD

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Lead Author

Andrea Carolina Amaya Pt

MsC

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Lead Author

Paula Ahumada

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Lead Author

Topics

  • Pain in Special Populations: Infants/Children