Treatment Options for Spasticity
• Treatment for spasticity is often a combination of therapy and medicine. Therapy can include range-of-motion exercises, gentle stretching, and splinting or casting.
• Medicine can treat the general effects of spasticity and act on multiple muscle groups in the body.
• Injections of botulinum toxin can prevent the release of chemicals that cause muscle contraction.
• One form of treatment involves the delivery of a drug directly into the spinal fluid using a surgically placed pump.
• Surgery is the last option to treat spasticity. It can be done on the brain or the muscles and joints. Surgery may block pain and restore some movement.
Resources
For referral to an occupational or physical therapist, consult your doctor or contact a home health agency, a family service agency, or the physical therapy department of your community hospital. You may also try contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association at (301) 652-2682 or the American Physical Therapy Association at (800) 999-2782 for a referral in your area.
As with any exercise program, consult with your doctor and/or therapist before beginning this program. If any exercises are too difficult and cause pain or increased stiffness in your limbs, do not do them.