I don't know that we talk much about cerebral palsy and pain. It's certainly not a subject that I recall much comment on in conductive education. So it is especially interesting to read a new blog posting by "disability blogger and freelance writer" Chloe Tear, about her personal experience of managing pain as an adult with cerebral palsy.
"Experiencing pain when you have cerebral palsy (CP) is very common, especially in adulthood," begins Chloe, adding near the end "One explanation for this is post-impairment syndrome. Due to the way you move if you have CP, it can cause extra strain on your joints and muscles. As a result, you might experience various symptoms that non-disabled people your age don’t have."
Having "asked the cerebral palsy community what they found helpful" Chloe talks about:
- Splinting
- Medication, vitamins and creams
- Stretches and physiotherapy
- Pacing
- Heat
- TENS machine
I'm wondering how commonly pain is a consequence of having cerebral palsy; whether it is progressive and, indeed, more common in older adulthood.
I'm wondering what conductors might say and if conductive education has a perspective on managing pain, whether with children or adults.
And I'm wondering if any adults with experience of conductive education who have experience of pain arising from their cerebral palsy have ever documented their experience and their management of pain?
Does anyone know of any research?
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In her blog, Chloe aims "to document [her] lived experiences as a disabled young woman".
I also look forward to following Chloe on Twitter: @chloeltear
