Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Specialized care for Cerebral Palsy from experienced physiatrists

The Cerebral Palsy program at Tufts Medical Center provides highly specialized and personalized care for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, helping them to achieve greater comfort and improve function so they can enjoy the most independent and active life.

Our physiatrists are experts in evaluating and treating children with cerebral palsy or with other related pediatric neuromuscular orders that cause disabilities. Their experience includes providing care for both physical limitations and the full range of challenges children with cerebral palsy face, from speech difficulties and gait (walking) dysfunctions to spasticity problems and limited mobility.

Personalized treatment delivered with warmth and reassurance

Treating children with cerebral palsy is often complex because multiple symptoms combine to impede their motor skills, mobility and ability to communicate. An in-depth evaluation of your child is the first step in unraveling that complexity so we can completely understand his or her symptoms, challenges, strengths and goals. With this knowledge, we design a comprehensive care plan to help your child reach full potential and pursue his or her dreams, such as going to school, meeting and making new friends and enjoying family life.

The physiatric (treatments we recommend as part of your child’s care plan are mostly non-surgical, some are minimally invasive, and all of them are delivered with warmth and compassion by Dr. Webster and Dr. Forman.

Some of the advanced therapies we prescribe include:

• Complete spasticity management, including Botox injections, per-oral g-tube medications and intrathecal baclofen pump evaluations
• Recommendations for seating (e.g., chairs, computer workstations, wheelchairs)
• Prescriptions for bracing and orthotics
• Expert advice on home adaptations to facilitate your child’s care and improvement and ability to enjoy everyday activities
• Therapeutic cast recommendations and management, including serial and bivalve casting services
• Special expertise and guidance for children with scoliosis and gait dysfunction issues

Individualized care from experienced pediatric physiatrists such as Dr. Webster and Dr. Forman is frequently unavailable at major medical centers. Another advantage of our department is the wide range of other pediatric specialists and therapists we collaborate with to care for your child.

Depending on your child’s needs, we work closely with specialists in areas such as:

• Orthopaedics
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Psychiatry

Because Tufts Medical Center is part of Tufts Medical Center, we can provide lifelong care for your child with cerebral palsy. This availability of complete services ensures a smooth transition, including familiar faces, when your child needs specialized adult care.

And because we understand the strain frequent travel can place on you and your child, we work with doctors and therapists in your community to coordinate optimal rehabilitation and long-term planning.