Physiotherapy and Spasticity
Spasticity is a phenomenon that can be seen following any injury or disease to the brain or spinal cord that results in changes to muscle tone and control
Spasticity is characterised by increased muscle stiffness and resistance to stretching. This is caused by abnormal hyperactivity & sensitivity to stretch to the muscles. The condition itself is often velocity-dependent, meaning that muscle stiffness is often triggered by movement at faster speeds.
Spasticity can affect many aspects and tasks of daily life, including eating, drinking, dressing, standing, walking and navigating the home and wider community. This increased muscle activity and altered movement patterns can also lead to secondary issues such as pain, joint stiffness and fatigue.
How is spasticity managed?
Spasticity can be managed in several ways. It is important, however, that a thorough assessment is completed prior to this to determine the best treatment option for the individual case.
– Use of medications such as Baclofen
– Injections of medications to reduce muscle overactivity in specific muscles, such as Botulinum Toxin-A or phenol nerve blocks
– Intrathecal Baclofen – typically used for those with widespread muscle overactivity
– Surgery (e.g., to address permanent joint stiffness that may occur over time with reduced movement of joints, because of muscle stiffness)
– Regular stretching and strengthening exercise to maintain joint range of motion and functional strength
– Improve balance, stability and postures that help control better movement
– Ongoing physiotherapy input is essential, regardless of the treatment selected, to maximise joint range of motion, muscle strength and function
How can physiotherapy help?
– Comprehensive assessment of an individual’s function and specific concerns, including reduced or altered movement, spasticity, muscle strength and stiff joints
– Assist in determining whether spasticity is present, and to what degree it is affecting the desired tasks/movements
– Ongoing advice and education on how to best manage spasticity for each individual case
– Organise referral to the appropriate specialist or clinic if pharmacological treatment may be of benefit
– Assist in goal setting, treatment planning and monitoring of treatment effectiveness (by way of standardised measurements, goal achievement scales)
– Provide ongoing management, including stretching, strengthening and functional task practice to maximise gains post-treatment
How can we help?
Spasticity is commonly seen in many neurological conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. Physiotherapists are uniquely placed and specially trained to comprehensively assess spasticity and how it may be affecting ease of movement.
If you are concerned that spasticity may be affecting your movement, we can assist with assessment, exploration of your treatment options and creation of a plan tailored to your condition and goals.
