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Physical Therapy For The Child With
Joubert Syndrome
Joan Becraft, MS, RPT, Clarkville, MD
Joubert Syndrome Foundation & Related Cerebellar
Disorders Professional Advisory Committee Member
As noted at the past conferences, information regarding
Joubert Syndrome has broadened in recent years. Those
diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome present with signs and
symptoms that help identify this special population of
children and adults. The signs and symptoms that are of
particular importance to the physical therapist include
but are not limited to; ataxia, generalized hypotonia,
respiratory irregularities, developmental delay, tactile
defensiveness, dysgord, and equilibrium dysfunction.
It is important to recognize the atypical alignment
presented in all positions in order to formulate a
program. It is true in all instances that the strong get
stronger and the weak get weaker in reference to muscles
that are over or under worked. It is therefore very
important that positioning that affords biomechanically
appropriate alignment is provided to the child.
Attaining biomechanically appropriate alignment early in
treatment reduces intervention problems later on. Ranges
of motion must be maintained to allow efficient muscular
control across joints. Strengthening of atypically
elongated muscles and stretching of shortened muscles
and soft tissues is nessary to gain in neuromuscular
control. An individualized program to strengthen the
child proximally provides him with a basis from which
automatic postural reactions of righting, protective
extension of upper extremities, and equilibrium can
emerge.
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The views expressed do
not necessarily reflect those of the donors. The articles,
announcements, and resources included on this website are
for information only and should not be considered as medical
advice. Please always consult your physician for medical
advice. The Joubert Syndrome Foundation & Related Cerebellar
Disorders does not endorse any product, service, or theory
referred to on the website.
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