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Spasticity Program
Spasticity is an abnormal increase in muscle tone caused by interruption of the nerve pathways regulating muscles. This results in a variety of clinical symptoms. Spasticity can greatly decrease quality of life, physically and emotionally. Many individuals with Spasticity experience pain, reduced mobility, incoordination, impaired functioning for daily activities, and permanent muscle shortening, or contractures.
Patients of all ages who have one or more of the following disorders may benefit from the Spasticity
Program:
•Brain Injury
•Cerebral Palsy
•Stroke
•Spinal Cord Injury
•Multiple Sclerosis
Treatment Benefits
On the initial visit, a team of rehab specialists will evaluate and outline a treatment plan for the Spasticity problem. The team
may consist of a rehab physician,
orthopedic surgeon, occupational therapist, and a physical therapist. Following completion of the evaluation by a physician and the therapist, a treatment plan is established to meet the unique needs of each patient.
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The following types of treatments are available and may be recommended:
•Medical management with anti-spasticity medication
and/or toxin injections, such as BOTOX, to decrease spasticity in muscles.
•Casting and electrical stimulation used in various combinations to compliment
toxin/ BOTOX injections
•Splinting to stretch spastic muscles or maintain good positioning
•Surgical intervention: including tendon lengthening, tendon transfer, and evaluation for Baclofen pump or Rhizotomy
Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital's (SIRH) Spasticity Program
focuses on:
• Decreasing muscle tone
which causes pain and
deformity
• Increasing the amount of
movement of a joint
• Improving skin integrity by
reducing the risk of wounds
• Increasing patient
independence and/or
reducing caregiver burdens
• Educating patients in how to
perform exercises and
activities at home.
For more information about the program, or to schedule and appointment, call (812) 941-6134
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