How do you manage spasticity?
Spasticity can be reduced by:
- Performing stretching exercises daily. Prolonged stretching can make muscles longer, helping to decrease spasticity and prevent contracture.
- Splinting, casting, and bracing. These methods are used to maintain range of motion and flexibility.
How do physical therapists treat spasticity?
The most commonly indicated treatments for spasticity, in descending order, were positioning, prolonged muscle stretching, splinting, motor-level stimulation, other treatment modalities (options not listed), vibration, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), traction, and prolonged icing (see Table 2).
How do you manage spasticity after a stroke?
Here are seven tips for living with spasticity:
- Exercise or stretch the affected limbs. One of the best things you can do for spasticity after a stroke is to keep the affected limbs moving.
- Adjust your posture.
- Support affected limbs.
- Adapt your home.
- Ask for support.
- Work with an occupational therapist.
- Use mobility aids.
What is an extensor pattern?
[10] A plantar extensor pattern generally exists in the lower limbs of a child with a spastic presentation of Cerebral Palsy. This often causes either the gastrocnemius or soleus muscles to be affected by increases in muscle tone.
How do you document spasticity?
The most well-known and commonly used scale is Ashworth scale (AS) (Table 3). This scale grades the muscle tone from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe spasticity). The usage of this scale is easy; however, the results depend on the evaluator.
Does heat help spasticity?
In more persistent injuries like muscle spasms, heat is often the remedy. Applying heat to muscle spasms will help relax the spasm. On an acute injury, like a sprain or fracture where swelling or inflammation is apparent, then ice is usually your first step within 24-36 hours of being injured.
Can PT reduce spasticity?
Physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment for spasticity, and is designed to reduce muscle tone, maintain or improve range of motion and mobility, increase strength and coordination, and improve care and comfort.
What is Tardieu scale?
Tardieu is a scale for measuring spasticity that takes into account resistance to passive movement at both slow and fast speed.
Why is baclofen not recommended for stroke?
A double blind crossover trial of baclofen against placebo in elderly stroke patients was discontinued because the drug produced an unacceptably high level of drowsiness.
What is spasticity in stroke patients?
Spasticity occurs when a muscle involuntarily contracts when you move. It sometimes happens in your limbs after a stroke. It can be painful — like a charley horse — and can create stiffness and tightness. When a muscle can’t complete its full range of motion, the surrounding tendons and soft tissue can become tight.