Adults with Cerebral Palsy Needing Physiotherapy: The Hidden Population
In the UK, approximately 73,000 adults with cerebral palsy require specialist adult cerebral palsy physiotherapy, yet these services remain significantly underfunded and under-resourced compared to paediatric care. As a result, adults living with cerebral palsy face a critical challenge in accessing appropriate physiotherapy support.
While children with CP receive comprehensive services during their developmental years, many adults, however, struggle to find specialised physiotherapy that understands their evolving needs.
Susan Pattison, MCSP, Clinical Director of SP Therapy Services based in Bury, Lancashire, explains why this service gap exists and how we’re breaking down barriers to provide essential physiotherapy for adults with cerebral palsy. Importantly, research presented at the 2019 Physiotherapy UK Conference, with findings from RADICAL Research and Brunel University, revealed alarming gaps in adult cerebral palsy services that continue to impact care today.
Understanding the Demographics in Adult Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy
The report identified that two-thirds of people living with cerebral palsy are adults, yet this population remains largely invisible within healthcare planning. Consequently, many healthcare professionals focus primarily on paediatric cerebral palsy, overlooking the ongoing needs of adults. Furthermore, the current healthcare system structure creates artificial barriers that prevent adults from accessing appropriate services.
The Transition Crisis
The report identified transition from paediatric to adult services as a critical failure point for adult cerebral palsy physiotherapy.
Adults with cerebral palsy consistently report feeling “left and abandoned” when they age out of paediatric services. This, unfortunately, leaves many without consistent physiotherapy support during adulthood.
Research Evidence: The Service Gap for Adult Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy
The preliminary data from RADICAL Research and Brunel University (2019) provided crucial insights into physiotherapy service delivery for adults with cerebral palsy. Although this research is now several years old, the service gaps it identified persist today. Therefore, many adults still struggle to access appropriate support.
Key findings that remain relevant:
-
103 of 114 respondents had accessed physiotherapy within the past 12 months.
-
Only 33 participants felt they received adequate physiotherapy support.
-
The majority experienced unmet therapeutic needs despite seeking treatment.
Clearly, these statistics highlight an ongoing need for improved access and continuity of care.
The Progressive Reality of “Non-Progressive” Conditions
Although cerebral palsy is traditionally classified as non-progressive, adult cerebral palsy physiotherapy research reveals a different reality. Indeed, survey participants consistently reported deterioration in their physical abilities as they aged.
This deterioration manifests in various ways:
-
Decreased mobility and functional independence
-
Increased pain and stiffness
-
Reduced endurance and strength
-
Greater difficulty with daily activities
Consequently, these physical changes can have a profound impact on daily living and independence.
Real World Examples of Adult Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Needs
A 35-year-old woman with cerebral palsy who managed stairs independently in her twenties may find herself needing a handrail by her forties.
A man who walked unaided might require a walking aid as he ages.
For example, these changes aren’t regression—they’re the natural ageing process compounded by lifelong motor challenges. Without appropriate physiotherapy support, however, these changes accelerate, leading to unnecessary loss of independence.
The Falls Crisis: A Hidden Epidemic
Alarming Statistics
The research uncovered a shocking reality about falls among adults with cerebral palsy. Eighty per cent of survey respondents reported falling within the past 12 months, with 22 per cent experiencing 15 or more falls during this period.
Therefore, these statistics represent a significant public health concern that adult cerebral palsy physiotherapy services must address urgently. Falls in this population can lead to serious injuries, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life.
To support individuals further, see our top tips on how to improve your balance and reduce falls risk:
https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/neurological-falls-prevention-exercises/
How SP Therapy Services Provides Specialist Adult Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy
At SP Therapy Services, we have actively broken down the barriers that prevent adults with cerebral palsy from accessing the physiotherapy they need. In doing so, our approach provides flexibility, continuity, and control.
Self-referral available – No need for GP or consultant referral, giving you direct access to specialist support.
No waiting lists – We can arrange appointments at times and days that suit your schedule, not ours.
Remote consultations offered – Improving access for individuals with mobility limitations or those balancing healthcare needs with work and family life.
Lifespan expertise – All our Chartered Physiotherapists treat children, adolescents, and adults, understanding cerebral palsy across all life stages.
Community-based treatment – We work with you at home, at work, in college, at the gym, or during leisure activities.
Person-centred problem-solving – We support you to take control of your own health and wellbeing within the context of your individual abilities and goals.
Experts in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire – We have experts based in Bury, Blackburn, Stalybridge, Bradford, Holmfirth and Barnsley.
Ultimately, this holistic approach ensures that every client receives support tailored to their lifestyle and long-term goals.
Supporting Adults with Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy: What Case Managers Need to Know
For case managers working with adults who have cerebral palsy, whether from birth trauma, medical negligence, or acquired injuries, accessing appropriate physiotherapy can be challenging. In many cases, traditional NHS adult services often lack the specialist knowledge required for this population.
What we provide for case-managed clients:
-
Comprehensive functional assessments in the home or workplace environment.
-
Evidence-based treatment plans with measurable outcomes.
-
Regular progress reporting suitable for case reviews and legal proceedings.
-
Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
-
Flexible service delivery that adapts to changing needs.
-
Long-term support without arbitrary discharge criteria.
Moreover, our experience ensures that case managers can trust their clients are receiving expert, measurable, and consistent care.
Getting the Physiotherapy Support You Need
Adults with cerebral palsy deserve the same access to specialist physiotherapy as children receive during their developmental years. At SP Therapy Services, we recognise that cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing, expert support.
Whether you’re managing well independently or experiencing new challenges — a fall, injury, increased pain, or declining mobility — our team provides the specialist physiotherapy expertise to help you maintain independence, prevent complications, and continue living life to the fullest.
Therefore, don’t wait until a crisis forces you to seek help. Proactive physiotherapy support can prevent deterioration, reduce falls risk, and maintain the functional abilities that matter most to you.
Contact Us
Contact SP Therapy Services today to discuss how our specialised approach to adult cerebral palsy physiotherapy can help you maintain independence, prevent falls, and achieve your functional goals tailored to your unique needs.
Call: 0161 764 3799
Email: info@sptherapyservices.co.uk
https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/contact/
Frequently Asked Questions: Adult Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can self-refer directly to SP Therapy Services for adult cerebral palsy physiotherapy.
How often will I need treatment?
This depends on your individual needs and goals. Some adults benefit from weekly sessions during active rehabilitation phases, while others prefer monthly maintenance sessions. We’ll work with you to find the right frequency.
Can you help design a gym programme specifically for me?
We would love to help you help yourself by ensuring your gym programme is meaningful and realistic.
Can you provide workplace assessments?
Absolutely. We can assess your needs at work, home, or any environment relevant to your goals.
Do you accept case manager referrals?
Yes, we work extensively with case managers supporting adults with cerebral palsy in long-term care packages.
In addition, you can find out more about how physiotherapy improves balance and reduces falls risk in the following articles:
https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/sp-therapy-services-featured-in-nationwide-publication/
https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/physiotherapy-falls-prevention-in-home/
About the author:
Susan Pattison is a highly experienced Chartered Physiotherapist and the founder of SP Therapy Services. Furthermore, Susan brings more than 25 years of clinical expertise in supporting clients with complex neurological conditions.
Professional Qualifications:
BSc Ord Physiotherapy, Victoria University Manchester 1988
Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP)
Registered to Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
View Susan’s full profile here
Editor’s Note:
This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated in October 2025 to reflect current best practices in specialist physiotherapy for cerebral palsy and to ensure all information remains accurate and relevant to the services provided by SP Therapy Services.