Spasticity after stroke | Physiotherapy for spasticity

Spasticity after stroke

As a result of a stroke, many patients experience paralysis or spasticity. The extremities, i.e. arms and legs, are particularly affected by spasticity. Spasticity is caused by increased muscle tone and often leads to long-term weakening of the muscles.

Typical causes of spasticity after a stroke are feet turned inwards or an arm pressed against the chest. There are various options available for treating spasticity. Firstly, an attempt is made to reduce muscle tension with the help of tension-relieving medication.These include, for example, benzodiazepines, memantine or, in cases of severe spasticity, botulinum toxin.

In addition to drug therapy, spasticity is also treated conservatively through physiotherapy. In addition to exercises, massages, manual therapy and targeted physiotherapy to improve movement sequences, the aim is to stimulate other areas of the brain to take over the tasks of the damaged areas. With a therapy plan well adapted to the patient and regular training, good results can be achieved in many patients with spasticity after a stroke. Extensive information on this topic can be found in these articles:

  • Spasticity after stroke
  • Physiotherapy for a stroke

Gait training for spasticity

The gait training for spasticity in the course of multiple sclerosis is important in order to get the disorders under control or at least to improve them to such an extent that those affected can move around without problems and are less restricted in their everyday life. In order to achieve this goal, it is primarily a matter of restoring the lost muscle strength, compensating for unevenness and releasing tension in the muscles. Gait training then involves specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve coordination and balance. A gait analysis and correction on the treadmill helps those affected to develop a better feeling for their body, so that incorrect movement sequences can be independently recognized and corrected. In addition, other therapy methods such as manual therapy, electrostimulation or heat and cold applications can help to send new impulses to the nerves so that harmonious cooperation between the various muscle groups is improved and can run smoothly.