Spasticity: Conservative Treatment Options

[@bensturges7412]

I watch this video every time I get frustrated with my post-stroke recovery and it empowers me to keep going with rehab.

[@kristiehewlett]

"There is no challenge you can't overcome with the right attitude." This thought is a gift, thanks!

[@charlene7396]

When you have it and trying to learn more about YOURSELF..... People/Family will work against you cause it's not them... So basically no understanding unless it's them. Welcome to my world

[@indaskies3134]

I'm in Australia and I have upper arm therapy once week. I have a combination of things that I do to recover my arm and hand such as mirror box, estim, and botox injections every 6 months. In the 3 years since my stroke my spasticity has improved so much. Hard work and commitment pays off.

[@rehabhqofficial]

YES!! thank you for sharing this!! Many need to hear this. I get a lot of "discouraged messages". So thank you for giving those individuals hope and encouragement 😊

[@Right235]

Botox is the most helping part for the spasticity and it is very expensive

[@lawrenceobenmbeng8755]

Thanks for your video

[@venushhc]

Thank you so much. It helps me understand more of what my 32 year old son was suffering with. He passed 20 months ago today. Heartbreaking.

[@shernikaroberts-Blake]

So sorry to hear this ❤❤❤🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@venushhc]

Thank you. Getting clearer now, I’m sure tight pelvic floor was a contributing factor. Nerve pain is excruciating. 😣 😩💔

[@lindabakmaz81]

I was losing faith in my husband's stretching and brace program. It seemed so passive. My husband wants to walk more, not sit in splints. He's frustrated. So thanks for getting me back on track. I will trust his doctor and his physical therapist. Patience and faith.

[@sunshinehappy7329]

I was told that spasticity comes because inhibitors do not work. Your explanation is much more complex and makes real sense. Thank you so much for your super videos, you are such a big help on my road to recovery, Dr. Tara 💛🙏🤗

[@rehabhqofficial]

glad to hear it 😊

[@Surf427]

I’ve been waiting to have this “aha” moment. Thanks for the enlightenment. Such a good way to explain. 👍🏼👍🏼 more please!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment. :) I have an entire playlist on spasticity that I think you will enjoy. :)

[@potatoqueen779]

I've just recently found your channel and and am so thankful because it feels liberating to get educated on my condition and be able to help myself at hm in addition of my therapy to improve the results of my recovery I suffered a freak stroke in May at 20, the doctors can't even find a cause, I don't have cholesterol or high BP so they've just said maybe I was too stressed

[@davidwebber9291]

i have watched this video so many times and every time I watch it the more appreciative I am for it. What an excellent description of a condition that's been giving me so many headaches. I have severe spasticity on my left side, especially in cold weather (upper and lower) and i'm really struggling with it, but I do lots of stretching and find that it helps me tremendously. THANK YOU DR TARA YOU ARE GODSENT!

[@rehabhqofficial]

I am so glad it is helping. I have a whole playlist for spasticity with more stretched and exercises (here is one of several): kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHPIqHiijZ6AZpo

[@frankuribe4987]

I have specialty on my left side too it just came and I'm really struggling with it can you tell me the stretching exercise that you do so that I may start while I look for a rehabilitation team thank you I live in the United States in Fresno California

[@michaelwhite7225]

Tara, thank you for your comments about spasticity. I experienced a stroke in June 2019, and while being in physical therapy no one discussed spasticity, only that my left arm and leg demonstrated a lot of tone. In December, in therapy my left arm extended, affecting my shoulder and neck and head that i could not control. Really scary! This has occured 4 more times since then. I am afraid of it, and am listening to your presentations to understand what I can do to prevent it. I try to keep my hand touching something, engaged to not act suddenly. Also your instruction videos on learning to use arm and leg have helped med understand therapy much better. Thank you, sincerely Mike

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your story! Sounds like something is "triggering a spasm". You are correct in how you are "handling/preventing" this from happening. :)

[@ulyssesmendez9832]

Thank you so much for explaining. For a while I thought I had MSA, but I recently saw a movement disorder specialist like yourself and told me what I had was spastic. After hearing you explaining it further I can see it now more clearly. Yes my body retracts a bit when I try to stretch, cold affects me as well, slurred speech... anyways, thank you so much for making this video. I will continue watching and taking further advise from my doctors and listening to you as well.

[@Sbannmarie]

What is MSA

[@sarawhite92]

You deserve 10k subscribers. Great advice and thank you so very much

[@larryhonline]

Thank you I have spasticity from multiple sclerosis. A lot of your videos have helped me.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your diagnosis! I am glad to hear this video was helpful.

[@kristenbuchanan7017]

This is great info. Thank you! I have shared your link to all my fellow ms ‘ers. Spasticity is a huge problem for us and it seems spastic and weak hip flexors along with foot drop warrants the most attention. Can u please show stretches for those areas and placement for estim would be greatly appreciated! Wish I lived in a Orlando!

[@MichaelFaulknerw]

Thanks for another excellent info video. Looking forward to the next video in the series .Great job

[@staceyvaas1210]

Thank you for this explanation of spasticity. I’m an MSer. I have spasticity on my left side. I do use a Bioness to help me walk. I’m a nurse working full time. Thank you for this content.

[@rehabhqofficial]

I LOVE the bioness. Good for you for continuing to work and help people while also taking care of yourself. :)

[@rodneydangerfield7153]

Thank you , Dr. Tara, for the spasticity tutorial video!...As an MS patient, stretching is a MUST!

[@nitinyadav6562]

Thanks for sharing... yes... I do exercise in evening.. our office at SCHINDLER UNIVERSITY.. After head injury, it was a accident resulting paralysis.... falling on my head... now I recovered very well..

[@Bethh3890]

Thank you for this very informative video. I had a stroke at 36. Spasticity has been a complete nightmare. These tips are helpful. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us.

[@vickybangar7809]

How reduce specticity plz tell me. I

[@vickybangar7809]

How reduce specticity plz tell me

[@melissamartin9615]

Don't forget Massage Therapy! I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and have a client who had an accident in his early 20'd and left side is Hemiplegic; his left arm has Spasticity starting at Scalenes and down complete left arm. We use moist heat first to the area, then stretch by straightening that arm as high as comfortable and each time he goes a bit further. We do Massage Therapy to the complete back area- he sits at a Tabletop Unit in a wheelchair; claims it breaks Spasticity and often into the 3rd arm overhead/flexion stretch is when the Clonus kicks in. I use a massage tool that gives consistent percussion around the entire Scapula, Teres and Seratus, Latissimus muscles as well. He does well with that tool. Right now I am doing a 30 minute session twice a week at his home. Thank you more than words for sharing the information in this video- I am so grateful to learn about Neuro actions and reactions. God bless you and your family.

[@dpaul5457]

Good good good Acupuncture has worked very well for me. She includes e-stim at strategic points.

[@dpaul5457]

Also, a massage therapist who thoroughly understands anatomy and physiology. "When you are ready". There was a period of time where massage would have been unbearable. Listen to your body. p.s. if your acupuncture isn't working, you need a different acupuncturist!

[@bk3289]

Agreed. Acupuncture does help. It stimulates your muscle and nerves. I had stroke 4 mth ago. Started acupuncture in the 2 nd mth. I would do acupuncture twice a week. It helps in getting the muscles to loosen so that I can work on getting my leg and hand to function

[@luckyreddy2728]

Dr. Tara excellent video on spasticity

[@Elitetravelr]

I need this help. Thank you

[@kennethlee1818]

Excellent explanations. Thank you so much Dr Tara

[@upmotionpilates6534]

Excellent explanations - thank you so much!

[@kennethkeithsnodderly4201]

Excellent KZbin video on spasticity from a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) Physical Therapist, Dr. Tara Tobias

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks! I appreciate all of your support on here and on facebook :)

[@NewYorkF150stx]

Thank you very much for all the positive knowledge of yours! God Bless.🙏🙌

[@gillar12]

Thank you for creating this!

[@jacquedebell2328]

I have had a PT use dry needling on my effected leg and it has helped with pain and spasticity.

[@nadiaabdullah7484]

Your advice was so excellent, I constatly flap at my knees while walkib, your advice will be kindky appreciated

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching. So that I understand, can you explain to me what is happening to your knee when you walk?

[@marybethcully5883]

Thanks so much…MS causes spasticity so I learn something every time I hear about strategies. ☺️

[@arvindcv7943]

You speak very practical and educative. Had take dosage of botox to reduce spasticity. Recommended by my physician. Thank for uploading meaningful videos.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for sharing where you are at in your recovery.

[@octoberianlibra8346]

Thank u so much i learned alot from ur videos. Im also a stroke survivor. I hadstroke last Aug. 30 and imdoing well in my recovery with the help of my pt and ur videos

[@JoyT01]

How are you doing? I had mines Jan 2012

[@mariemedeiros5672]

Youve mentioned things that my rehab team has never tol me. I discovered and directed much of my own treatment plan.

[@henrybudziarski4404]

Stretching is for sure, do it until you get a little bit of pain not too much But you got to keep doing it 👍🏽

[@Sternschnuppen85]

Such wonderful videos and easy to understand explanations!! :) I’m a newer OT

[@mariemedeiros5672]

This is sooooo interesting. Thank you

[@litfulf8282]

Can't wait for your education on acupuncture video. Thanks Doc.

[@khuramshahzad1992]

Really appreciate your efforts ❤️

[@byonanebyeisaac3572]

Thank you so much; this information is very helpful

[@ssamburle]

You are right Dr. I am using a foot drop splint for foot drop (over 6 months now) due to Spasticity and it has not helped me overcome it. Stretches are still in progress, very slow progress but signs are positive. Would be waiting for next video to to know more about bracing. Unfortunately I do not have any acupressure expert for neurological cases. Thanks again for your amazing videos.

[@wendyoloff5944]

Thank you for explaining it to me. I have a spastic leg. I have MS and have never had a stroke.

[@miketarble2638]

I liked that video...keep up the good work!

[@symbolizercom148]

great explanation. liked the seatbelt. thank you.

[@dancers1113]

Another great informative thanx Dr!

[@c16071]

THANK YOU for posting this video. Re increase over time: I have what PTs have severe spasticity in my leg and hip flexors. At the 9 yrs mark of my recovery I developed EXTREME pain in my lower hamstring behind my knee when moving from flexion to extension. Sit to stand was BRUTAL (and my pain threshold is pretty high). After multiple evals over 2 yrs, the final diagnosis was shortening of the hamstring muscle. Increasing Baclofin to 60 mg per day and Taking some BOTOX from my calf and injecting it to my hamstring brought pain down to 50% which is totally manageable. I wish the FDA would allow more than 600 units total for tbe whole body. Doc would add more (just a bit) to ham. This validates the conclusion that took 2 years to arrive at. See below for my journey to reaching this diagnosis and fix

[@c16071]

First, I got on a waiting list for a top HSS Physiatrist. In the meantime: 1. PT first said sciatica, then some kind of issue with my knee bones. 2. Chiropractor said possible tendinitis (with the understanding that he was not qualified to make that “diagnosis” but having that theory was helpful. I did 9 rounds of deep heat Ultrasound treatments. No improvement. 3. New policy, in order to get appt with top Physiatrist, I had to be referred by an HSS Sports Medicine doc. Upon looking at my xray, he concluded arthritis, and prescribed PT. I was unable to do most of the exercises due to total lack of function in the areas, and prohibitive brutal pain. He obviously didn’t understand my condition and wouldn’t listen when I tried to explain. 4. Was finally referred to Physiatrist after waiting 9 months. He concluded increase in spasticity and recommended Botox in my lower hamstring muscles. 5. Went to neurologist. I was already getting max allowed 600 units for calf and foot, so took some away from calf to inject into my hamstrings. 6. At least 50% improvement which is more than I’d even hoped for.

[@Sbannmarie]

Didn’t see link for stretches on lower body.

[@jesselynardiente9667]

Very helpful for me.. Thank you so much... ❤️🙏❤️

[@Sbannmarie298]

Wish you would share differences between spasticity in stroke vs MS

[@PauLWaFFleZ]

Hello Dr. Tobias, been dealing with spasticity in my right calf since January 2020, and it looks like its gotten to my right hand starting around March of 2022. I've done MRI's on my brain, neck, and spine. EMG. CT Scan. Lumbar Puncture. The doctors tell me that everything looks mostly normal, nothing too notable where they can say "AHA! THATS WHATS CAUSING IT!" I've learned that this is mainly caused by brain damage or stroke, and according to the MRI's, I dont have any brain damage. I haven't had a stroke. My doctors are still having me run tests to figure out what it is. We tried botox in early August, but had to start with a low dosage because too much will numb the muscle, and unfortunately looks like it was too low. Hoping next Friday when we go up on the dosage, it works. But there is just mystery left and right. What do you think? Looks like botox is my best shot right now, but I want to give acupuncture a try for a while. Did it once this week, hoping to do it a few more weeks and see some effects. Also want to try Electrical Stimulation. I'm only 31, so dealing with this is tearing me apart because I can't really work out. I also got clonus in my right foot that gets active if you touch my right heel a certain way.

[@88chandru]

thank you so much

[@ve4mm]

I go every 3 months for Botox at the Hospital. It is a process. This got worse after my heart attack July 1, 2019. Hereditary. I had emergency surgery with no heart damage. Easy as pie. The Spasticity is work. I was always a fit athlete. Cycle for 50 years now. Now I can't cycle due to sore quads. I stretch and exercise daily. Use to be a competitive swimmer and semi-pro skateboarder. I gotta keep working at this daily. 154 pounds with proper BMI. Eat healthy too. Looking into Nerve Ablation. MRI of lower back in a few months to see of I am a candidate.

[@jillvalentine9685]

Hello! Thank you very much for your Videos here on KZbin. I'm a physiotherapiest from Germany and did my exam last year. Now i'm working mostly with neurological patients. Often i'm still overtaxed by the complexity of diseases and symptoms. Especially spasticity. Can you recommed a book about spasticity treatment? We learned nearly nothing about it and i want to do good and effective therapies. But sometimes i just dont know better. Maybe you can help me out :) Greetings from Germany!

[@juliealber2191]

Thank you!

[@GdUpG2Gmafia]

Are you still going to do a video on acupuncture? If you are can you please go in depth on the use of e stim for upper extremity recovery in the acupuncture video?

[@willemh3319]

when i stand in the shower without myAFO it is shaking time first have to reposition my leg to relax my exercize for my tremors i do the threshold stretch feels so relaxed afterwards but since i left hospital i do exercizes loe them👍👍wait for more vids

[@Sbannmarie298]

Did you post the part two video?

[@mariegarcia7080]

Thank you.

[@michaelonyiac]

Dr Tara, I was searching on youTube for an explanation to the spasticity that I started experiencing after I had a stroke in January of this year when I saw your video explanation about spasticity and I immediately subscribed the video and gave it a thumbs up in the end. I stretch my quads some days of the week. Could you please delve deeper into type of exercises that is good for spasticity of the things ? I usually would lay on my stomach and pull my legs as far as I can towards my head high enough to feel the stretch on my my thighs. about 5 minutes

[@Sbannmarie298]

Also where is video for lower body stretches? Thanks

[@EucharistMiracles]

You are the best. 🙌

[@alisonquadros6674]

I loved this video thanks a million helped a lot

[@rehabhqofficial]

Glad to hear this :)

[@GdUpG2Gmafia]

Doc, can you please do a video on e stim?

[@farzanaaneesh3664]

Thankyou very much so much informative🌹

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching! I am glad you found it helpful

[@farzanaaneesh3664]

Orlando Neuro Therapy I just completed my degree Just started working Mam i really feel helpful when i watched this i continued to watch all the videos 😊🙏🏻

[@lindamilligan336]

it has been 5 years since stroke while in the hospital had alot pt lower exstematies, asked pt on arm and hand and was told that since arm/ were smaller muscles that they didn't come back as quickly I have since asked pt but they seem to be more concerned with leg I do have spascity and suppinated foot I find my afo very painful, finally went podiatrist who ordered me a custom insole which helped for a while maybe I need a new one

[@sourabhsatheesan7721]

Stretching in the flexor synergy will increase the tendancy of the reflex arc to flex more... So is stretching and bracing are good...??

[@karenjenner2470]

This is the first time I am reading so much related information. I just wish Drs here knew more about this because I am getting so misunderstood

[@sharonbowie5155]

I’d love to see a bracing video!

[@sureshjoshi1710]

What is exercise for curly foot fingers,kindly give demonstation

[@willjones8976]

Do you great videos can you speak more about ataxia all these exercises and things to talk about go for Add tax year as well please let us know at the beginning of videos thanks

[@raulruizruiz9608]

videos are very informative but explain if botox can help bend knee with hyper tone. Thank you.

[@stephaniesurns2067]

Why does my spasticity only occur at night? And is that was is causing stiffness in my hand/wrist, inside elbow, shoulder and quad?

[@ronpadlo7301]

Unfortunately I can not wear my afo anymore because of leg swelling and on open sore at the very top of my afo caused by the afo! Am not sure why the leg is swollen but I will need to see my doctor,he is only a general practitioner and there is not an orthotist in my area!

[@ratfink13fan51]

Thanks

[@johnlindley9665]

Three years ago, Stacey Vaas said that she is using a Bioness to help with her walking. Spasticity is impeding my walking and my balance significantly, I would be very interested to hear whether using the Bioness is capable of improving walking.

[@perezcaesarius2842]

Accupunture works for me

[@marialorentzen4365]

I was diagnosed with H perlori last year, my lower body started feeling like I had rubber bands attached, I can walk like always but I am always fighting my muscles, it looks normal because, I have been dancing for many years. I have no ides how to improve it, but I am dancing. I do not have pain.

[@sarawhite92]

By the way, I have had this for 2 years and for the first time, I understand spasticity.I clicked a link for the night splint but can't figure out which one you said to order for dorsi flex. Maybe NORCO?

[@gailinax]

Has it improved?

[@LMMLR4]

What about someone who has hyper mobile joints? Still stretching? I am trying to get to the root cause. I have flares of hyper tone and spasms. Possible causes pineal cyst, cervical myelopathy, spot myelomalacia and/ or low ferritin.

[@godfredagyekum2333]

Please how do you get paraplegia lower limbs due to stroke to move especially weight shifting to allow movement...have a patient who can move the left leg but is unable to move the right entirely it only assume knee partial knee flexion and ankle heel off

[@sumanngon]

Does clinical hypnotherapy works?

[@christianneis6254]

I observed lately that I'm experiencing sudden involuntary movements or jerking of my affected leg and arm especially when I am lying down on my back. Is this a good dogn or not? Thank you Dr. Tara..

[@leemin7824]

Can stretching pain increase spasticity but no stretching done spasticity will increase. How to find a balance between it?

[@jessejames8315]

Okay you said that load sounds and bright lights and pain what about strong smells because my family all smoke and I have told them that it effects me but they think that it's in my head

[@robertogaibisso1822]

Can E-Stim work for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia? I have a client with this condition on the lower body.

[@edgardojusay4340]

Dr Tara you haven't replied me yet. I am a stroke survivor at the same time having slip disk with my lumbar 4 and 5. Please try to help me.

[@themartyd]

Since you stated that no cure exists for spacticity, what are your thoughts on Brunstrums 7 stages of stroke recovery especially the stages where spacticity reduces???

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks foe the question! That is more at an abnormal (involuntary) movement pattern which may look similar to spasticity but the mechanism is different

[@jeffreystrain2651]

How do we know if the physical therapist is adept at these techniques and not winging it

[@binoybabu8788]

Hey, I had spinal cord injury 7months before and I need to know if massaging my legs with warm oils will increase spasticity please help.

[@channghiem5012]

i heart dr tobias

[@loriclark505]

why don't more doctors talk about TBI ,I did not have a stroke

[@thomasirving4732]

What are the surgical procedures for bad spasticity 10+ years

[@abigailcartagenas6705]

What are the best treatment options for patients in the flaccid stage?

[@ronpadlo7301]

Unfortunately,I do not wear my afo now because of my leg swelling and open sore on my leg at the very top of the afo

[@GdUpG2Gmafia]

Does e stim create new neuro pathways?

[@bhargavirana8313]

When, where and how can I communicate with you to discuss my case? I need your help ASAP; please reply me back.

[@francesboard683]

My pinky finger and ring is curved what can do and I can’t stretch my right arm out

[@becauseofwhoyouare6716]

Hey doc is this the same as tone in the leg. How is it fixed or strengthen?

[@shalithaakash]

Hi I'm from Sri Lanka, I'm suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke and I'm hand fingers are not functioning properly please assist me to recover from this thank you

[@emmanouellivas4278]

Please what is the best way to communicate with you, I have an issue like this that I really need help with and I have seen multiple physio’s and doctors and they usually don’t know what I’m going on about when I try and explain my struggle or push me out the door with strengthening excercises that never seem to help