Hi, my name is nikkyshades!

Firstly welcome to the forum Nikkyshades,

It is difficult for me to advise directly on what might help your daughter stay on her feet and try and build up her leg muscles. Its normally best to consult with a specialist doctor, as everyone's situation is individual.

What I can do is list some of the things that have helped me. I have over 30 years of first hand experience living with cerebal palsy.

1 - Correctly fitting orthopedic foot ware and AFO's to try and improve gait as much as possible, I also use two walking sticks or poles.

3 - Physio and daily stretches are vital to improve function and strength - its also important to include exercises that try and improve hand eye coordination.

4- Swimming

5 - Cycling - this can really help with strengthening the legs - I started off with a pashley trike.

6- Dance movement therapy, this is something that has helped me more recently, it can stimulate the brain and help you make some of those connections to the muscles that are not there. I wish in some ways that when I was 10 or younger some of my physio sessions were instead DMT.

7 - Regular saunas or hot baths to relive/reduce muscle spasms.

8 - Special orthopedic bed and very dependent on a good nights sleep.

9 - Healthy diet

The important thing is not to give up, and fight for everything that you need to live as independently as possible.

Hope you find some of the points helpful,

Feel free to ask any questions on the forum,

All the very best

Noah

I would try The Scotson Technique (TST) exercises - they improve breathing which helps to improve overall structure and function. My son was 20 months old when we started the exercises and not walking at that point. These exercises have made a significant difference to him. He is now 14 and has just had a growth spurt which is causing him some difficuties. I am increasing our focus on TST exercises again.