Cerebral Palsy Program

Cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions can create daily difficulties for children and their families. We care for both.

The pediatric experts in the Cerebral Palsy Program at Children's Hospital Colorado treat children with cerebral palsy, genetic syndromes and spine or brain injuries from birth to young adulthood. It’s common for kids with these diagnoses to also have orthopedic conditions. This requires comprehensive care to ensure children are comfortable, mobile and able to do the activities they love. Our team also helps your family make care decisions about surgery and other treatments in partnership with our Orthopedics Institute.

Our program works with world-renowned experts including:

• Orthopedic surgeons and advanced practice providers
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Social workers
• Nurses
• Orthotists

Conditions we treat at the Cerebral Palsy Program

We offer support for a variety of different neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. These include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Brain injuries
• Genetic disorders
• Hip dysplasia
• Spinal conditions
• Leg length discrepancies and angular deformities
• Foot and ankle differences
• Gait abnormalities

Services we offer at the Cerebral Palsy Program 

We offer many services for conditions associated with cerebral palsy. These services include:

• Rehabilitation like physical and occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology
• Neuropsychology
• Intrathecal baclofen pump placement and management
• Evaluations and surgery for selective dorsal rhizotomy
• Botulinum toxin and phenol injections for muscle management
• Evaluating and creating orthotics
• Direct referral to our Center for Movement and Gait Analysis
• Evaluating and preparing for orthopedic surgery
• Surgical follow-up

What to expect from your visit to the Cerebral Palsy Program

We work with multiple experts from different specialties to create a comprehensive treatment and recovery plan for your child. 

At your first visit, we evaluate your child’s movement, posture and coordination to identify the best recommendations. We may recommend: 

• Surgery for conditions affecting mobility, comfort and function
• Orthotics (bracing) or other equipment needs
• Treatment options for spasticity and dystonia (stiff muscles) including therapy, bracing, oral medications or intramuscular injections
• Physical and occupational therapy to work towards goals and prevent conditions from worsening

Throughout your child’s treatment, we practice family-centered care, so you'll also receive support and resources for the entire family and options for care conferences.  Social workers are available for consultation and child life specialists can help make any aspect of visits less stressful.

Why choose the Cerebral Palsy Program at Children's Colorado?

At Children's Colorado, we offer advanced care that improves outcomes for children and their families. A team of experienced pediatric experts will create a care plan customized for your child's needs. And throughout your journey, we provide support for your child and your entire family.

Our researchers are always learning more about cerebral palsy and are committed to improving treatment and outcomes. We’re involved in multiple research studies within the Cerebral Palsy Research Network, the Cerebral Palsy Hip Outcomes Project and clinical trials to make sure each child receives the best treatment options available.

Our Center for Gait and Movement Analysis is one of the first centers accredited by the Commission for Motion Laboratory Accreditation to evaluate movement and gait (walking). The center is staffed by bioengineers, physical therapists, physicians and orthotists who use the most advanced motion capture technology to assess children and track progress before and after treatment.

We also developed the first adaptive recreation for childhood health (ARCH) program in the country. ARCH is a unique program that empowers children with cerebral palsy and other conditions to participate in sports and activities, such as skiing, rock climbing, fishing and more.

Contact us 

To schedule an appointment or ask us questions, please call 720-777-2806.