Physiotherapeutic Management of Pain in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Analysis

Abstract

Pain in boys and girls with Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a problem that can significantly affect their quality of life, altering movement and development. Therefore, this research seeks to describe, based on a narrative review, the approach of Physiotherapy in the pain of pediatric cerebral palsy.

Methodology: A retrospective documentary search was carried out in databases, PubMed, OVID, PeDro and Scielo, using connectors (AND) (OR); with the MESH terms Cerebral Palsy, Pediatrics, Pain Management, Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain and Physical therapy. The inclusion criteria are: Pediatric population, English, French, Portuguese or Spanish language, including physiotherapy intervention, underlying pathology, cerebral palsy. The selection process is carried out by reading titles, reading summaries and finally reading the full text. Information was extracted using the PICO format (participants, intervention, comparison and results). 

Results: The search obtained a total of (n=373) articles, from which (n=364) were eliminated, including a total (n=9). The two main categories aimed 
at physiotherapy intervention in this type of patient are pain evaluation and interaction for pain management. Studies show positive results for pain management in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy, from physiotherapy interventions in modalities such as therapeutic massage, relaxation training, biofeedback and interventions within motor function.

Conclusions: The approach to pain care in children with cerebral palsy seeks to be preventive, curative and rehabilitative, but not all conditions are 100% curable. The main objective is to improve the child’s quality of life, providing them with the greatest comfort and functionality possible.