Frequently Asked Questions

How is your program different from other CP treatments?

The Key to CP program is uniquely catered to the individual, as no two people with cerebral palsy experience the same challenges. Key to CP unlocks a patient’s best possible performance – their highest potential. This potential is a measure of brain recovery determined by our unique assessment and intervention sequence.

We look at the client’s usual performance as a “habit” learned early when the brain damage was new. The size of the brain damage never changes, as CP is not progressive. Rather, as the brain grows and matures, its ability to form new connections in response to the right types of learning and training soars. This is called neuroplasticity. Our job is to assess what the client can do today, then create the right type of training plan based on their best possible performance. This is how new movement habits are formed for life.

What is the Key to CP intensive program?

Our program provides an in-depth, comprehensive assessment of the client’s function and development, followed by a detailed discussion of the client’s goals, and any concerns the client or clients’s parents or caregivers may have.

Key to CP follows a model developed by Karen Pape, MD and Pia Stampe, PT, DPT. During every step of the assessment and intervention, we ensure that the client fully understands how CP impacts their motor skills, vision, speech, and cognition function. Goals will gradually emerge as we uncover their best performance.

Why is this discovery process important?

Knowledge is power. Once the client understands the unique aspects of their CP diagnosis and how it may impact them over time, they will fully understand the interventions we recommend. Many parents of children with CP tell us that our program helped them to really grasp the intricacies of their child’s diagnosis, and that it was the first time they felt empowered to help maximize their child’s recovery.

How do I know that the Key to CP intensive program will help me or my child?

Before we accept a child or adult into our program, we review medical records and short videos of their function. Afterwards, we have a short phone call with the client or the client’s parents. This process ensures that treatment via our program will be beneficial.

Have you worked with other people with diagnoses like mine?

We have experience with people of all ages, GMFCS levels, and presentations of CP.

What is the best age to complete the Key to CP program?

Though we work with children and adults of all ages, we know that brain plasticity is most exuberant during two distinct periods of life: from birth until age 4-6, and approximately 4 years during puberty. In these years of brain and body growth, it is easier for people to learn new skills and movement habits, and recover from damage.

Early childhood and puberty also present another opportunity, as the rest of the body is usually experiencing significant growth spurts. Proper intervention during growth spurts helps to minimize the development of orthopedic malalignment issues, and ultimately decrease the likelihood of pain and loss of function.

While these periods of exuberant neuroplasticity are powerful, changes in function can happen at any time in life with the right type of training program. Think about athletes who perfect their game throughout their careers. Our clients are exactly the same- athletes who are always working to improve their skills. All they need is a dedicated coach and the right training!

How do you know what types of treatments will be most effective?

The pre-intensive assessment and the in-person assessment during the first part of treatment will direct us to the proper interventions. Our therapists have extensive experience in treating people with cerebral palsy, and will choose treatments based on the client’s current performance and stated goals. These treatments are administered in a series of standardized systematic steps.

What are the steps of your program?

Our interventions are provided in a step-by-step format unique to our program:

• Alignment
• Awareness
• Muscle activation
• Functional strength

What happens after I or my child leaves the program? Should I expect to see regression?

During the intensive, the client learns what types of treatments are needed to maintain their new skills and continue to progress. Because the client or client’s parents now understand their diagnosis and the reasons why certain treatments were recommended, the program becomes an empowering and motivating experience that sticks with them.

Can I speak with other people who have completed your program?

We do our best to connect families considering our treatments with those who have already completed the Key to CP program. However, it is important to keep in mind that each person is different, and their response to treatment will vary depending on age, level of involvement, type of diagnosis, and motivation.