Spasticity Management

A comprehensive spasticity management program

The Spasticity Management Program at BayCare Clinic Pain & Rehab Medicine provides comprehensive care for people with spasticity and uncontrolled muscle spasms. Spasticity is characterized by tight or stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that may interfere with voluntary muscle movements.

Spasticity can reduce mobility and make it difficult to perform daily activities. It can cause pain or discomfort, lead to skin breakdown, and interfere with hygiene habits and sleep. It often occurs in conjunction with weakness, poor coordination, or loss of feeling.

Goals of treatment are to decrease spasticity in order to improve range of motion, reduce energy requirements, facilitate movement, lower caregiver burden and enhance patient independence.

Our patients

Most of our patients are seeking relief from spasticity caused by the following:

• Spinal cord injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Brain injury
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis

Treatments for spasticity

Our rehabilitative team evaluates each individual and discusses treatment recommendations with the patient, family members and caregivers. Treatment options include the following:

• Physical and occupational therapy
• Oral medications
• Neuromuscular electro-stimulation
• Orthotics and other assistive devices
• Botulinum (Botox®) and injection therapies
• Baclofen pump (ITB therapy)

Early intervention

At BayCare Clinic Pain & Rehab Medicine, we encourage patients to see us at the earliest stages of their spasticity problems. The sooner you seek treatment, the more we can do to maximize function and maintain your independence. Our goal is to prevent or postpone the kind of pain and mobility problems that would require additional assistive devices (e.g. wheelchair) or resources.