Cerebral palsy affects movement and posture, and physiotherapy is central to helping a child move as well and as independently as possible. Therapy does not cure cerebral palsy, but it can influence function, comfort, participation and the prevention of secondary problems.
Rehabilitation is individual. What is appropriate, and what can realistically be achieved, differs from person to person and is decided after assessment.
What cerebral palsy is
Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture caused by non-progressive changes in the developing brain. The brain injury itself does not worsen over time — but its effects on muscles, joints and function can change as a child grows, which is why review over time matters.
What physiotherapy aims to do
- Support motor development and functional skills such as sitting, standing, walking and transfers
- Manage tone, and maintain range of movement to reduce contracture risk
- Advise on posture, seating, orthoses and equipment
- Support participation at home, at school and in play
- Teach families how to continue therapy safely between sessions
Understanding GMFCS levels
Clinicians commonly describe gross motor function in cerebral palsy using a five-level classification, from Level I (walks without limitation) to Level V (transported in a manual wheelchair). It is used to set realistic, individual goals and to plan equipment — not to label a child or predict everything about their future.
When therapy should start
Early intervention is generally recommended, and assessment should not wait for a formal diagnosis if there are concerns about a child’s movement or development. Speak to your paediatrician if you have concerns.
What families ask most
Will my child walk?
This is the question families most want answered, and an honest answer is that it depends on the individual child — the pattern and severity of their cerebral palsy, and their gross motor function. Some children walk independently, some walk with aids, and some will use a wheelchair for mobility. Your child’s therapist should discuss what is realistic for your child specifically, and set goals with you rather than for you.
Can cerebral palsy be cured?
No. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition. Therapy targets function, comfort and participation, and helps prevent secondary complications.
How often should my child have therapy?
Frequency depends on the child’s needs, age and goals, and it changes over time — periods of more intensive work around a specific goal or after surgery, and quieter maintenance periods. It is agreed after assessment.
What can we do at home?
A great deal. Home programmes built into play and daily routine are a central part of therapy. Your physiotherapist will show you exactly what to do, and what not to do.
Working with the wider team
Cerebral palsy care usually involves more than physiotherapy — paediatrics, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and orthopaedics may all be involved. Where your child needs input we do not provide, we will say so and help you find it.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Cerebral palsy in under 25s: assessment and management (NG62).
Medical disclaimer: this page is general information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for individual assessment by a qualified clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
Find an APARC centre near you
APARC Health & Motion has 12 centres across Delhi NCR and Pune. Services, equipment and clinical teams vary by centre — please contact your nearest centre to confirm what is available there.
Medically reviewed by Anuj Kumar Mishra, MPT · Last reviewed: 2 August 2026 · Our clinical team
Where this is available
Specialist neurorehabilitation is provided at four designated APARC Advanced Neurorehabilitation Centres — ACNR Pitampura, Greater Noida (ShardaCare HealthCity), Janakpuri and Rohini Sector 22. Each provides specialist neurological assessment, technology-assisted rehabilitation and a multidisciplinary team, alongside the full range of APARC physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. APARC's other centres continue to provide general physiotherapy and rehabilitation. More about our neurorehabilitation service · All APARC centres.