Physiotherapist Tashara Harriott-Green’s mission to help children with cerebral palsy

Tashara Harriott-Green, a physiotherapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of the Caribbean Limited, is part of a team dedicated to the care, support, and training of children living with cerebral palsy at the institute’s Kingston location. While the job isn’t easy, she carries it out with grace, passion and selflessness.

“I always wanted to work with children. Initially, I wanted to be a paediatrician, but life [happened] and I focused on cerebral palsy after doing my research and seeing how physiotherapy has been so impactful in [the lives of] children living with cerebral palsy; [So] I decided to do a certification called Dynamic Movement Intervention overseas,” Harriott-Green told Lifestyle.

She was hooked after seeing the difference the treatment made, and since using the techniques with her patients, she’s seen incredible progress, with parents excited to watch their kids sit up, feed themselves, try walking, and even stand.

When she moved to Jamaica two years ago with her certification in hand, she landed a job as a physiotherapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of the Caribbean, and she’s glad she did.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvement in my patients who have cerebral palsy. How I got into the industry is because it was something that I’ve been passionate about, and upon getting my certification, I was able to increase my patient load with children,” Harriott-Green said.

Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by abnormal development or damage to the motor areas of the brain, such as the cerebral cortex, which controls muscle movement. It can result from factors like trauma, stroke, maternal infections, poor oxygen supply to the brain, or premature birth, occurring before, during, or shortly after birth.

She also outlined the three types of cerebral palsy: ataxic, dyskinetic, and spastic. The severity of these forms varies, and to assess how severe it is, the child typically needs to be around two years old.

Cerebral palsy is treated by a multidisciplinary team, which includes a paediatric neurologist or paediatrician specialising in neurology, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist. It takes a team to really treat children with cerebral palsy,” Harriott-Green explained.

At the Rehabilitation Institute of the Caribbean, she says her role is to help improve the quality of life for children with the condition. This includes assisting them with tasks like sitting up properly in a chair, maintaining balance while standing, using their hands, walking properly or using mobility aids, functioning in a school or work environment, and living pain-free.

“Even though some children may not be able to do what a normal child can do, and some might not be to walk or balance, [physical therapy] is really to improve their quality of life, and to get them to participate at their own comfort and at the level of what they can manage,” she added.

Based on her experience, she notes that parents often have to make lifestyle changes when raising children with the condition. However, she loves seeing the results of her work over time, especially when a child’s progress lifts the parents’ spirits and renews their hope for their child’s chance at a fulfilling life and integration into society.

“I’m passionate about cerebral palsy [and]to know that I am able to contribute to their development and contribute to them just living a normal life. Persons believe that once a child [is born with or] has cerebral palsy, that’s the end of it, and it is not. Majority of the children who have cerebral palsy are able to function in the normal world as [those without] the condition. Cerebral palsy is just a title, but it’s not the definition of them.” she added.

With a passion for raising awareness about cerebral palsy, Harriott-Green continues to push for greater understanding of the condition. She encourages the nation to rally in support and emphasises that with early intervention and the right treatment, children with cerebral palsy can lead fulfilling lives, breaking the misconception that the condition defines their future.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com

Tips for parents/ guardians supporting a child with cerebral palsy:

• Emotional Encouragement: Understand that this diagnosis is not the end. With support and dedication, progress is possible.

• Positive Role Models: Children with cerebral palsy can achieve great things! Many are running, jumping, and enjoying activities just like any other child. Your child can thrive too.

• Involvement in Therapy: Get actively involved in your child’s therapy. Learn how to do exercises at home with your child to support their growth and development.