A 14-month-old with spastic cerebral palsy is being discharged with home care. Which statement indicates understanding of the plan?

A 14-month-old with spastic cerebral palsy is being discharged with home care. Which statement indicates understanding of the plan?

• A. I will perform daily stretching exercises to my toddler's affected muscles.
• B. I will avoid any physical therapy.
• C. I will stretch only when the child experiences pain.
• D. I will schedule therapy only once a week.

Answer: (A)

Regular daily stretching of the affected muscles is essential for a toddler with spastic cerebral palsy. Daily, gentle stretches help maintain the range of motion, counteract muscle tightness, and prevent contractures as the child grows. This is something caregivers can actively do at home as part of everyday care, and it should be done even if the child isn’t in pain because it prevents tightening before it becomes limiting. Stretching should be integrated into the daily routine rather than waited on for pain signals, and ongoing therapy is typically more frequent than once a week to support consistent progress.

Regular daily stretching of the affected muscles is essential for a toddler with spastic cerebral palsy. Daily, gentle stretches help maintain the range of motion, counteract muscle tightness, and prevent contractures as the child grows. This is something caregivers can actively do at home as part of everyday care, and it should be done even if the child isn’t in pain because it prevents tightening before it becomes limiting. Stretching should be integrated into the daily routine rather than waited on for pain signals, and ongoing therapy is typically more frequent than once a week to support consistent progress.