Neurophysioplus Ltd | Spasticity management treatments

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Spasticity Management

Spasticity is the severe muscle stiffness caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord and is a major challenge to any rehabilitation team. Spasticity can prevent or hamper an individual's functional recovery, cause pain, disturb sleep, cause unnecessary complications and present major difficulties for the patient and carers. The treatment of spasticity often requires a multi-directional approach to achieve the best results for the individual. Seldom is one treatment effective in assisting the patient. At Neurophysioplus we can offer a comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies to reduce the spasticity and improve function and/or comfort.

Treatments include exercise therapy, stretches, serial casting, thermoplastic splinting, Botulinum Toxin-A injections, advice on posture, positioning and seating. We can also advise on Orthosis. The treatment of spasticity like all rehabilitation processes must start with the establishment of specific and achievable goals and a carefully planned strategy to achieve these goals. It is not always necessary to treat spasticity as it can be useful in some individuals e.g. spasticity in a leg may serve as a brace to support the individual's weight for transferring or walking.

In general terms 3 potential aims of treatment:

To improve function
To reduce risk of unnecessary complications
To alleviate pain

Occasionally a justifiable aim is not specifically to help the patient, who may not perceive any problems with spasticity, but to make nursing easier for the main carers and to assist with the maintenance of hygiene, dressing and transferring

Members of the chartered
society of physiotherapists