🧑‍🦽 Module 2: Physical Disabilities

 

🧭 Overview

This module focuses on physical disabilities that affect:

• 🚶 Mobility (movement)
• ✋ Dexterity (hand and fine motor skills)
• 🧠 Stamina (energy and endurance)

It highlights how these conditions impact daily life and the importance of support, adaptations, and therapy.

Key conditions include:

• Spina Bifida
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Scoliosis
• Spinal cord injuries

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🧬 Spina Bifida

📌 Definition

Spina Bifida is a congenital neural tube defect that occurs in early pregnancy (around the first 28 days), where the spine does not fully close.

👉 This can lead to paralysis and mobility difficulties.

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🔎 Types

• Myelomeningocele (most severe form)

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⚠️ Associated Conditions

• 🧠 Hydrocephalus (fluid build-up in the brain, often treated with a shunt)
• 🦴 Tethered spinal cord (can worsen paralysis, cause pain, scoliosis)
• 🚻 Bowel and bladder control difficulties
• 🧪 Higher risk of latex allergy

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🧠 Cerebral Palsy (CP)

📌 Definition

Cerebral Palsy is a group of neurological conditions caused by abnormal brain development or early brain injury, affecting:

• Movement
• Muscle tone
• Coordination
• Posture

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🔎 Common Signs

• 💪 Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
• ⚖️ Poor coordination (ataxia)
• 🧒 Delayed development (e.g., late walking or sitting)

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🛠️ Management

Support may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy (if needed)
• Orthopaedic surgery in some cases

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🧩 Other Physical Disabilities

💪 Muscular Dystrophy

• Progressive muscle weakness
• Loss of muscle mass over time

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🦴 Spinal Cord Injuries

• Damage to the spinal cord
• Can cause partial or full loss of movement and sensation

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🧍 Orthopaedic Conditions

• Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
• Joint conditions (e.g. arthritis)
• Limb differences or amputations
• Arthrogryposis (stiff or fixed joints)

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🏥 Key Considerations in Care

🧑‍⚕️ Therapy Support

• Physiotherapy helps improve movement and strength
• Occupational therapy supports daily living skills and independence

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🏫 Environmental Adaptations

Examples include:

• Wheelchair-accessible buildings
• Adjustable desks or equipment
• Supportive seating systems
• Accessible transport and school modifications

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🩺 Medical Support

Ongoing care may monitor and manage:

• Pressure sores
• Muscle weakness or wasting (atrophy)
• Breathing or cardiovascular issues
• Pain and fatigue

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🎯 Key Message

• Physical disabilities vary widely in cause and severity
• Many conditions are lifelong but manageable
• Early support improves independence and quality of life
• Adaptations and therapy are essential for inclusion