Post 10: Breathing and Cerebral Palsy: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Is your child really breathing—deeply, fully—or just getting by?
As therapists and parents, we often focus on what’s most visible: tight muscles, hip alignment, sitting balance. But there’s something else happening all day, every day, that plays a massive role in your child’s development—their breath.
We rarely think about how our children are breathing. But the truth is: this simple, automatic action is a powerful motor. And when it doesn’t work well, it quietly affects everything from posture to digestion, spinal flexibility to pelvic development.
In this post, I want to show you why breathing mechanics matter deeply—especially in children with cerebral palsy—and how you can begin to gently support this system at home with just your hands.
The hidden power of breath.
Most children breathe 10–20 times a minute, without thinking. That means over 20,000 movements a day through the chest, diaphragm, spine, and torso.
When that movement is fluid and balanced, it becomes one of the most powerful ways to feed the fascial system—the internal “jello” that holds your child’s structure together and gives shape to the body.
But when breathing is shallow, uneven, or too fast—as it often is in children with cerebral palsy—this internal rhythm becomes disrupted. And the effects ripple out everywhere.
Over time, we may see a spine that becomes more rigid. A ribcage that collapses on one side. A pelvis that stays too narrow and doesn’t develop the support needed for stable hips. Even digestion can suffer when the diaphragm isn’t moving the organs properly.
The ribs are meant to move—and when they don’t, the whole system slows down.
Your child’s ribs aren’t just a protective cage. They’re designed to move rhythmically with every breath.
Each time your child inhales, the ribs should expand outward and upward—like wings opening. As they exhale, the ribs come back to center. This natural motion is what drives the diaphragm downward, gently pressing into the abdominal cavity.
That movement matters.
When the diaphragm presses down, it creates a wave that massages the internal organs—helping to stimulate digestion, lymph flow, and circulation. Think of it like a gentle internal pump that keeps things moving.
But if the ribs are stuck—if one side moves more than the other, or if the chest is tight and doesn’t expand—then that diaphragm can’t fully descend. And when it doesn’t, the organs don’t get the stimulation they need. This is one reason why many children with CP struggle with constipation, bloating, or reflux.
Over time, the lack of motion can lead to less nutrient absorption, slower elimination of waste, and an overall sense of internal discomfort.
So while it may seem small, supporting your child’s rib mobility can truly affect their whole-body health.
What can you look for?
You don’t need special equipment to start tuning into your child’s breathing.
Watch your child when they are resting. Do both sides of the chest rise evenly? Can you feel any movement in the back or around the ribs? Does the breath seem stuck at the top, or does it reach down into the belly and pelvis?
These small details can tell us so much. They show whether the natural “pump” of the breath is feeding the fascia—or leaving parts of the body unstimulated, unsupported, and stuck.
When the breath improves, so does the structure.
In WeFlow, we talk often about the idea of “small movements feeding fascia.” And breathing is one of the most important micro-movements of all.
When we help our children restore better breathing mechanics—without forcing, without stretching—we unlock more expansion through the ribs. That expansion helps the diaphragm press gently down into the abdominal cavity, supporting digestion and pelvic growth. That movement travels down into the hips, which means better positioning, more room in the joints, and a body that feels more supported from the inside out.
And here’s the best part: you can start improving this today, with one simple hands-on technique for the torso.
What’s next—and how to begin.
In the next post, I’m sharing a full video class where I teach parents how to use their hands to gently support the breathing system. You’ll learn:
How to release the diaphragm gently using your hands (or soft sponges)
What to do if your child breathes unevenly or too fast
A technique I use every day in my office—and that you can safely use at home
How to support the chest and torso to make breathing more fluid and effective
And if you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend our introductory workshop for parents, where you’ll learn the very first fascia technique we give all families in our programs. This exercise is designed to support torso control and diaphragm expansion—so your child can breathe more freely and gain internal stability over time. It’s not a free resource, but it’s a foundational step that gives you both knowledge and tools to start creating change from day one.
WeFlow’s Tip
Start by simply observing. When your child is asleep or lying quietly, place one hand on their belly and one on their chest. Notice which one moves more. That’s your starting point.
Ready to Start?
Take your first step into fascia therapy with our short, parent-friendly workshop:
The #1 Fascia Therapy To Improve Torso Control
Gentle, effective, and easy to begin—no experience needed.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to fully embrace this gentle approach and receive personalized support, apply for TheraParent Coaching—our therapeutic coaching program designed for dedicated parents like you.
Includes weekly calls, a tailored plan, and a supportive community.
Apply here – it’s free to explore.
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