Muscle relaxants like baclofen can help reduce muscle hyperactivity for temporary spasticity relief. Speak with your child’s pediatrician or physical therapist to determine the most effective and beneficial treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your child’s spasticity, some interventions may be more ideal than others. Second, the child must practice improving their walking form consistently.īelow, we’ll discuss several interventions that can help decrease a scissoring gait in children with cerebral palsy. First, spasticity must be minimized so that the muscles can freely contract and relax. Scissoring Gait Treatment InterventionsĮarly intervention plays an essential role in minimizing the progression of a scissoring gait in children with cerebral palsy.Ĭorrecting a scissoring gait is two-fold. In the following section, we’ll discuss management interventions that can help correct a scissoring gait. ![]() Want 19 pages of CP recovery tips in PDF form? Click here to download our free illustrated ebook now (link opens a pop up for uninterrupted reading) Managing spasticity early and practicing correct form can help replace abnormal walking patterns before they become ingrained habits. This means that it is much easier for children to adapt and form new habits than it is for adults. To maximize your child’s mobility, it’s essential to seek spasticity management as early as possible.Ĭhildren’s brains have greater plasticity than those of adults. Pain due to consistent muscle tightness and strain on the jointsĪlthough spasticity can worsen with age, it can also be reduced with consistent management.Limited range of motion due to tight joints.Increased risk of pressure sores due to knees constantly rubbing against each other.Increased risk of falling due to poor balance skills.Developmental deformities or limited growth due to uneven muscle pull.Potential risks associated with poorly managed scissor gait include: However, complications of cerebral palsy like spasticity can progress if not properly managed. Risks Associated with Poorly Managed Scissoring GaitĬerebral palsy is a static disorder, meaning that the brain damage that causes CP will not worsen over time. Now that you understand that spasticity is the underlying cause of a scissoring gait in individuals with cerebral palsy, let’s discuss the risks associated with poor management. ![]() ![]() There are a variety of abnormal walking patterns that can result from cerebral palsy, but a scissoring gait is the most prevalent. This type of CP occurs when motor impairments predominantly affect the legs. Because these muscles remain contracted, internal hip rotation occurs and the upper half of the legs cannot separate while walking.Ī scissoring gait is most common in individuals with spastic diplegia. The hip adductors are the muscles responsible for bringing the thighs together. It’s caused by high muscle tone (spasticity) in the hip adductors. What’s the Link Between Scissoring Gait and Cerebral Palsy?Ī scissoring gait is characterized by the knees and thighs pressed together or crossing each other while walking. To help you understand what a scissoring gait is and how it can affect your child’s future, this article will discuss its primary cause, associated risks, and various management interventions. Many children with cerebral palsy walk with an abnormal walking pattern called scissoring gait.
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