SPASTICITY-MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

SUMMARY

Treatment options represent a continuum of care (conservative → surgical):
1. Proper positioning & relaxation techniques
2. Noxious stimuli avoidance
3. Heat & cold modalities
4. Stretching/range of motion (ROM) exercises
5. Functional electrical stimulation (FES)
6. Splinting, serial casting
7. Physical modalities (vibration, direct tendon pressure, biofeedback, motor re-education, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation [PNF])
8. Systemic medications (baclofen, dantrolene, gabapentin, pregabalin, tizanidine)
9. Local interventions (botulinum toxin injection, phenol/alcohol neurolysis)
10. Surgical procedures

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.