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Introduction: People with disability are in general far less active than the non-disabled population, and few youths with cerebral palsy meet the demands of daily moderate physical activity. Adolescents often complain of being tired of traditional physiotherapy and would prefer alternatives. The article focuses on present physiotherapy options for adolescents with disability, and the possibility of improvement. Main section: A mailed survey to adolescents with cerebral palsy and structured telephone interviews with leaders of physiotherapy services were undertaken in the area of Helse Stavanger 2009. Physiotherapy for adolescents with cerebral palsy seems to be of traditional type, according to frequency and character. Few of the physiotherapy services focused on other physical activities than traditional physiotherapy. The youths had a variety of opinions regarding the relationship with their physiotherapist and on the organization and character of their physiotherapy. The importance of the personal and professional qualifications of the physiotherapist was emphasized. Conclusion: In order to meet these challenges there is need of a change in the physiotherapists approach. The findings have implications for the role of physiotherapists in promoting sports and physical activities. Physiotherapists should include different opportunities such as group physiotherapy, and should encourage adolescents to become responsible for being active participants in designing their own therapy.

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