October 6, 2022 is World CP Day. It’s a time to celebrate and support the more than 17 million people living with cerebral palsy (CP). Expanded research is bringing new solutions to help people who have cerebral palsy live their lives defined by their dreams and not their diagnosis.
Gillette Children’s is building on its strong commitment to caring for children who have cerebral palsy through new developments in research, innovation, advocacy, and the clinical expertise of its physicians and providers. Exciting plans about the future of CP care at Gillette will be announced later in October 2022.
Gillette is internationally known for its excellence in caring for people diagnosed with CP and this dedication has led to treatments and outcomes that have influenced CP care globally.
Gillette treats all forms of cerebral palsy
Gillette physicians and providers are driven to make discoveries and conduct research to help all people who have cerebral palsy. We treat all forms of cerebral palsy—including the most severe.
The James R. Gage Center for Gait and Motion Analysis at Gillette is the first-ever to be accredited and among the world’s best centers of its kind. Using innovative computer technology, motion analysis captures movement, muscle activity and forces that the eye can’t see. Once a child has their gait and motion analyzed, a team of Gillette specialists crafts an individualized treatment plan tailored to each child.
The James R. Gage Center for Gait and Motion Analysis was founded in 1987 and has a database from about 50,000 patients. Researchers and providers from around the world have used the information collected at the center to improve treatments and care.
Gillette has one of the largest group of physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and the largest group of orthopedic surgeons in the upper Midwest. These doctors are highly trained and specialize in treating children who have cerebral palsy.
Gillette was the first hospital in Minnesota to perform selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery to help reduce spasticity. We’re experts in single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) to help with issues in a child’s muscles, bones and joints.
Children from all over the United States, the world, and the region come to Gillette Children's for rehabilitation.
Our rehab program shines
Gillette is just one of three pediatric specialty programs in Minnesota accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to meet the needs of young children and adolescents seeking acute inpatient rehabilitation. Our rehab gym is impressive and has cutting-edge technology. Our rehab program truly shines because our therapists make hard work seem like play.
We have a six-week inpatient rehabilitation program for children recovering from selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery.
Gillette also connects with patient families via virtual care appointments. Traveling for therapy or to see a specialist might not be easy for some families. Gillette provides virtual, or at-home therapy. Like in-person therapy, virtual rehab treats lifelong conditions, such as CP, and helps children gain strength and independence. Gillette’s virtual care and therapy is provided by the same trusted team who provide in-patient care and therapy.
A strong team with a plan
Cerebral palsy is a complex condition and can affect many parts of the body. Gillette has more than 140 cerebral palsy experts in Pediatrics Complex Care, Orthopedics, Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sleep Management, Orthotics, Prosthetics and Seating, and Child Life Services.
In 2020, Gillette CEO and president, Barbara Joers, introduced Gillette Children's Healthcare Press as a new resource to help children who have brain, bones, and movement conditions.
Getting to know the whole child
Gillette is a member of the Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN) and we surround families with knowledge and care. We help unlock the mysteries and search for answers to complex medical issues.
In 2020, Gillette launched a new resource to help parents of children who have brain, bones, and movement conditions. Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press released its first book to empower parents and provide an evidence-based guide to living a full live with CP. Spastic Diplegia—Bilateral Cerebral Palsy is written by Gillette parent Lily Collison, and it shares her personal story along with answers to specific questions about spastic diplegia.
Gillette is proud to help all children discover their strengths and live a full life.
Happy World CP Day!
Gillette is proud to work side by side with families to help each child live their story. We get to know the whole child—not just their cerebral palsy diagnosis.
On this World CP Day we’re proud to be advocates and partners. We’re excited to shape the future for people living with cerebral palsy.
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