The Collaboration Behind the Confidence
A Key Part of My Success
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A Team Strengthens Care
A strong care team matters because cerebral palsy is not a single‑system condition. It affects muscles, nerves, bones, movement patterns, and daily function. No one provider can address all of that alone. CP care works best when multiple specialists communicate, coordinate, and make decisions together.
CP affects multiple systems.
CP affects multiple systems.
CP impacts tone, strength, balance, gait, bone alignment, and motor control. That means:
A neurosurgeon may address spasticity
An orthopedic surgeon may correct bone or tendon issues
An orthotist supports alignment and function
A physical therapist retrains movement patterns
When these systems are treated separately, progress is slower and sometimes inconsistent. When they’re treated together, outcomes improve.
CP Care is Ongoing
CP Care is Ongoing
CP changes over time; especially during growth, puberty, adulthood, and after surgeries like SDR or PERCs. A coordinated team helps patients:
Adjust treatment plans as the body changes
Catch issues early (tightness, gait changes, pain)
Prevent long‑term complications
Maintain strength and mobility
Without a team, patients often end up reacting to problems instead of preventing them.
Each specialist sees a different piece of the puzzle
Each specialist sees a different piece of the puzzle
A neurosurgeon sees tone.
An orthopedist sees bone alignment.
A PT sees movement patterns.
An orthotist sees functional positioning.
When they share information, the patient gets a complete picture; not four separate opinions.
Collaboration leads to better decisions
Collaboration leads to better decisions
When specialists talk to each other, they can:
Decide the right timing for surgeries
Coordinate orthotics with therapy goals
Adjust PT plans based on surgical outcomes
Prevent conflicting recommendations
Create a unified long‑term plan
Sources: MDPI (Integrated Care in CP); Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in CP); The Lancet Global Health (Integrated CP Care); Physiopedia (Interdisciplinary CP Management).
Build Your Own Care Team
Look for specialists who communicate with each other, share updates, and make decisions together. A strong team includes a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, orthotist, and physical therapist, each bringing expertise in their own area and working toward the same long‑term goals.
Only as Strong as My Team
My care team has been one of the strongest parts of my SDR journey. My neurosurgeon, orthopedic team, orthotists, and physical therapists all communicate with each other about my needs and progress, each bringing deep expertise in their own specialty. Being surrounded by experts who collaborate and continually refine their craft has made my care well‑rounded. I’ve always felt like I’m in good hands.
My goal with Hope Moves Forward is to empower you to choose the path and providers that are right for your journey. Below, I share my own care team, their roles, and their credentials. Exploring their backgrounds may help you:
identify what to look for when building your own care team,
know which questions to ask as you seek guidance, and
better understand the purpose and value of each specialist’s role.
A neurosurgeon evaluates and treats spasticity at its source, the nerves, and determines whether procedures like SDR are appropriate. They help reduce tone so the rest of the care team can focus on strength, alignment, and movement.
Dr Kaveh Asadi
MD, Ph D, FAANs
Dr Matthew Dobbs
MD, FACS, FAAOS, FAOA
An orthopedic surgeon focuses on bones, joints, and alignment. They address issues like tight tendons, hip positioning, or gait‑related bone changes that can develop over time.
A foot and ankle specialist focuses on the structure, alignment, and mechanics of the feet. These areas are often affected by CP related tightness, gait patterns, or past surgeries. They help ensure the foot is positioned well for balance, walking, and long‑term joint health.
Dr Mitzi Williams
DPM, FAFAC
An orthotist designs and fits braces that support alignment, balance, and functional movement. Their work helps maintain the gains from surgery and therapy.
A physical therapist retrains movement patterns, builds strength, and helps the body learn new motor pathways after tone or alignment changes. They are essential for long‑term progress
The information here is educational and meant to offer clarity; not medical advice. I’m not affiliated with the providers mentioned here, and sharing their names is simply meant to offer examples and a starting point as you build your own care team. Everyone's situation and needs are unique. Always consult qualified medical professionals for decisions about your care, treatment, or surgical options.
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