4 Essential Treatments for Spasticity

Spasticity affects over 12 million people worldwide, including the majority of people with multiple sclerosis. It’s a neurological symptom involving stiff, rigid muscles and strong reflexes. Tight, spastic muscles are often painful and can lead to secondary problems like speech issues and poor posture. 

Associated with a wide range of issues involving your brain and nervous system, spasticity can affect your ability to move, walk, and speak. It’s not a temporary issue — without treatment, spasticity often leads to permanent problems like contractures (frozen joints), joint dislocations, and broken bones. 

At Delaware NeuroRehab in Dover, Delaware, our world-class multidisciplinary team provides the latest in neurorehabilitation to alleviate spasticity and restore movement. 

We conduct a thorough medical history, physical exam, and functional testing to evaluate your condition and determine the most suitable treatment. Spasticity testing can tell you about the extent of your neurological damage. 

Spasticity is usually traced back to an underlying neurological issue interfering with communications between your nerves and muscles, like a brain injury or neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., Parkinson’s disease). 

No matter the source, you can rely on our expert team to design an individualized care plan that aligns with your needs. 

Here are our top four essential spasticity treatments: 

1. Physical and occupational therapy

Physical and occupational therapies help you work toward your strength and mobility goals. Occupational therapy rehabilitates you to engage in everyday tasks, while physical therapy enables you to work toward broader goals of restoring movement. 

Our team supports you through physical and occupational therapy at a reasonable pace. 

Your individualized physical and occupational therapy at Delaware NeuroRehab might involve multiple strategies, including exercises, bracing, electrical stimulation, and low-level laser therapy. 

2. Prescription medications

Physicians typically only prescribe oral medications for spasticity if the condition disrupts daily functioning. Prescription drugs can calm overactive nerves to alleviate nerve pain, spasms, twitching, and spasticity. 

If you receive prescription medications for spasticity, take them as directed. Inform our team if you experience side effects like trouble breathing or skin irritation, and stay aware of possible interactions with other medications. 

3. Botulinum toxin (Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, Myobloc®)

Botox isn’t just for wrinkles. Its active neurotoxin is a valuable tool for treating multiple neurological conditions and symptoms, including spasticity and cervical dystonia. 

Botulinum toxin injections treat spasticity by temporarily deactivating targeted motor nerves. This prevents overactivity, resulting in muscle rigidity and forceful reflexes. 

4. Baclofen pump therapy

Baclofen is one of many prescription medications used to treat spasticity. In severe cases, our team might recommend an implanted baclofen pump that delivers the medication directly into your spinal fluid. 

Baclofen is a muscle relaxer and pain reliever. Regular doses reduce muscle contractions and spasms to help you function. You can also take baclofen orally, but a pump ensures you get the appropriate dose of the medication to manage symptoms throughout the day. 

Reduce your spasticity today

Our interdisciplinary team can recommend today’s leading treatments to help you manage spasticity. Call us at Delaware NeuroRehab or request an appointment online to learn more about your options.