Wellness & Aging Program
Recent and ongoing research reveals what caregivers know from observation:
"Secondary symptoms" of severe disabilities profoundly influence how comfortably
and productively people live…and likely how long. Chronic joint pain, decreasing
mobility due to bone and muscle loss, increased respiratory and pulmonary
problems, side effects from long-term medication…all have a tremendous impact on
quality of life.
Just as certainly, mitigating these conditions enhances a person's ability to
concentrate, learn, work, and productively engage the world.
The "Wellness and Aging Program" at the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area
evolved from an understanding that physical and psychological health are
inextricably linked. Health must be nurtured by approaches that integrate pain
and stress-reduction therapies with education, practice, peer and staff support.
Evolution
CPC's "Wellness and Aging Program" began with
Massage and classes in
Adaptive Yoga. Participants and staff reported
dramatic improvements - in range and ease of motion, pain management…and in
attitudes manifest by increased participation in other activities.
Motivated by these results – also by studies revealing that people with cerebral
palsy were suffering from early-onset arthritis and other debilitating
conditions – CPC expanded Wellness to include other treatment modalities such as
Feldenkrais,
Jin Shin Jyutsu
Acupressure, Brain Gym
and Craniosacral Therapy.
Many provided by community practitioners volunteering time and skills. New
approaches allowed us to tailor treatments to individual needs.
Every body is different…and every body influences a mind.
"Constant pain and difficulty moving impair concentration and thought
processes…they can become consuming experiences that make it difficult for
people to take advantage of the programs we offer. "
Maureen Berndt,
Director of Wellness and Aging
Massage
As adapted to individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Massage addresses conditions
created by adverse interactions among muscular, skeletal and central nervous
systems.
Massage…reduces rigidity, increases range of motion and flexibility, frees
joints, deepens respiration, decreases spasticity, and ameliorates back, neck,
shoulders.
Yoga
"Adaptive Yoga" takes traditional poses and modifies these for individual needs
and conditions.
Yoga…Increases strength and flexibility, deepens breathing, relieves pain and
tension, promotes relaxation, improves balance and mindful movement.
Serra Amboy walking in Yoga
Feldenkrais
A hands-on, movement-based learning process, Feldenkrais consists of individual
or group instruction teaching simple, unaccustomed movements that change
habitual patterns…
Feldenkrais… improves coordination and flexibility, facilities smooth movement
and efficient action, reduces pain and stress, and promotes healing.
"Four years ago I would wake in the morning and have to crawl to get into my
braces. A wheelchair seemed inevitable.
"I began Feldenkrais. After two weeks of treatment I no longer needed braces.
And while I don't want anyone to develop unrealistic expectations…
I've never used braces again. "Today I'm on staff at CPC, seeing
other participants benefit from a treatment that changed my life."
Mandy Palfreyman,
Instructor
Jin Shin
Jyutsu Acupressure
A Japanese style of acupressure that uses touch to target specific areas of the
body where tension collects.
Acupressure…relieves muscle spasms and cramps, mitigates pain, facilitates
comfort and balance.
Brain Gym
Based in theories of Educational Kinesiology, Brain Gym exercises are designed
to integrate physical and mental functioning, enhancing learning through
movement.
Brain Gym…improves focus, concentration and memory, and increases coordination,
spatial awareness, posture, coordination and balance.
Craniosacral Therapy
A light-touch, manual technique derived from the osteopathic tradition,
Craniosacral Therapy reduces the effects of clenching and muscle spasms by
promoting the flow of cerebrospinal fluids to brain and spinal cord.
Craniosacral Therapy…reduces headaches, tooth-grinding, neck, shoulder and jaw
tension, and calms anxiety provoked by these conditions.