Spasticity in MS

Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The severity of spasticity can vary greatly from patient to patient. The triggers for spasticity can also be different (e.g. indigestion, pain, incorrect movements).

The symptoms of spasticity can range from barely visible impairments to complete paralysis. For outsiders, spasticity in MS is not always obvious at first glance, as it can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms. These include difficulty swallowing, respiratory infections or pressure sores – all a result of increased muscle tension.

To make life easier for patients, there are a number of options for treating spasticity in MS. In addition to drug therapy to reduce muscle tension, this primarily means physiotherapy. Physiotherapy according to Bobath and medical training therapy have proven themselves. In addition, manual therapy and specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles can also help to control the problems and relieve the symptoms. Patients with spasticity should make sure that they remain active outside of regular therapy and do something about their spasticity, as long-term success can only be achieved through regular training.

How can spasticity be resolved?

There are a number of different therapeutic approaches to relieve spasticity. Basically, the goal of any therapy is to reduce the increased muscle tension that has led to the development of the spasticity. Ideally, the cause responsible for the high muscle tone should be treated as well, so that the problem does not recur or is managed so well that the patient is not severely restricted by the spasticity. Relief can be provided, for example: antispasmodic drugs that are intended to permanently reduce muscle tone (benzodiazepines, Botox and many others) Relaxation exercises such as yoga, Pilates or autogenic training Physiotherapy with individual therapy approaches depending on the cause of the spasticity, especially exercises and mobility training, as well as various therapy concepts such as MTT or physiotherapy after Bobath operations, if the cause of the spasticity requires this Ergotherapy Psychotherapy Group therapy

Anticonvulsant drugs designed to permanently reduce muscle tone (benzodiazepines, Botox and many others)
Relaxation exercises like Yoga, Pilates or autogenic training
Physiotherapy with individual therapy approaches depending on the cause of spasticity, especially exercises and mobility training, as well as various therapy concepts such as MTT or physiotherapy according to Bobath
Surgery, if the cause of spasticity requires it
Ergotherapy
Psychotherapy
Group therapy