Because standard care for cerebral palsy may not always produce the desired results, some patients turn to alternative therapies in the treatment of this condition. The most frequent cause of childhood disability in the United States, cerebral palsy constitutes a group of disorders that affect the patient's ability to coordinate body movements. While no type of alternative therapy has been extensively studied for its effects on cerebral palsy, some research suggests that acupuncture holds promise in treatment of certain symptoms and complications.

Standard Treatment
Cerebral palsy, which is caused by abnormalities or damage in parts of the brain that control movement, can't be cured. Although cerebral palsy appears in the first few years of life and permanently affects movement and coordination, the condition doesn't get worse over time. Typically, standard therapy for cerebral palsy aims to improve the patient's function and capabilities. For instance, standard care may involve the use of medication to relax muscles and ease pain, or physical therapy to build strength, flexibility, mobility, and balance. Speech therapy and assistive devices are also commonly used in standard therapy for cerebral palsy.

Alternative Medicine for Cerebral Palsy
Although few studies have tested the use of alternative therapy for cerebral palsy, there's some evidence that acupuncture may help with the disorder. For instance, in a research review published in 2010, scientists sized up 35 randomized clinical trials (involving a total of 3,286 children with cerebral palsy) and concluded that acupuncture may benefit cerebral palsy patients.

The review's findings indicate that acupuncture may help improve daily functioning, increase independence, and enhance verbal function in children with cerebral palsy. Other studies show that acupuncture may improve speech and boost bone density in cerebral palsy patients. And in a 2009 study of 60 children with cerebral palsy, researchers found that participants who received an alternative therapy combining acupuncture with music therapy showed greater improvement in movement. Each group underwent 36 treatment sessions, which took place every two days.

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend acupuncture as a standard treatment for cerebral palsy. If you're considering the use of any type of alternative therapy for treatment of your child's cerebral palsy, make sure to consult a physician before beginning treatment. Since comprehensive care can increase the patient's chances of overcoming development disabilities, it's important to work closely with your child's doctor in creating a sound treatment plan. It's should be noted that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.