In a major step towards providing effective treatment to those affected by varying degrees of cerebral palsy (CP), autism, Down’s Syndrome and multiple-disabilities, Ramakrishna Mission Cerebral Palsy Clinic now adds more alternative therapies to its multi-disciplinary unit.
Apart from offering vestibular stimulation to develop sensory coordination and improve balance among children with special needs, the centre provides sand, suspension and acupuncture therapies.
With an aim at giving holistic treatment and make children self-reliant, the newly introduced sand therapy has a specially-embedded walker along with a couple of equipment.
“Most of these have been sourced from online stores after a thorough research. With a few volunteers contributing generously to the cause, we are able to introduce value-added services to the clinic. Since these tailor-made therapies are quite effective, there has been a considerable rise in the number of patients trickling in from other States as well,” says Guneshananda, in-charge of the clinic.
Currently, the 24-year-old clinic is facilitating free treatment to over 65 patients a day and the newly launched therapeutic avenues draw parents from Pendurthi, Tagarapuvalasa, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and neighbouring States.
‘Responding well’
“Children started responding well to a combination of therapies. For instance, beach sand therapy controls involuntary movements and eases muscle coordination. Similarly, suspension, light, music and colour therapies help strengthen muscles and draw the attention of the child. These techniques are required to make the ones afflicted with multiple disorders independent and more participative,” says N. Padmaja, a physiotherapist at the clinic. The assorted therapies coupled with new teaching methods aim at improving the mind-body coordination of the little ones whose movements are largely restricted.
Main focus
“The focus is to offer a complete wellness programme including a healthy platter that contains sprouted millets. With a team of in-house doctors catering to customised needs, there is much scope for improvement in children with special needs,” adds Swami Guneshananda.
