What is Spasticity?

Spasticity is a symptom or characteristic of an upper motor neuron lesion (i.e the brain or spinal cord), which causes intermittent or sustained involuntary activation of muscles. This happens when the lesion occurs in the upper motor neuron that regulates muscle control, and leads to reduced inhibition of the pathways which activate our muscles. Spasticity can range in severity, and interferes with voluntary movement which can affect day to day function, speech and gait. It can affect one limb, several muscle groups or the entire body depending on the neurological condition.

Common symptoms of Spasticity

Spasticity doesn’t look the same for everyone, but typical signs and symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Involuntary muscle spasms
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks
• Weakness or reduced range of movement
• Pain or discomfort in the affected muscles
• Abnormal posture or limb positioning
• Walking difficulties, such as scissoring gait or toe walking.

These symptoms can vary throughout the day and can be triggered and/or exacerbated by stress, infections or fatigue.

What causes spasticity?

Spasticity usually develops after damage to the central nervous system. Common causes include:

• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Neurodegenerative conditions

When the pathways that regulate muscle tone are injured, the muscles lose their normal control and become overly active.

How Neurological Physiotherapy can help

Neurological physiotherapy plays a central role in managing spasticity. A specialist physiotherapist tailors treatment to each person’s needs, helping to improve comfort, mobility, and independence. Key approaches include:

1. Stretching and range of movement exercises to help maintain flexibility, reduce stiffness and prevent long term changes in muscle length.
2. Strengthening the muscles that work opposite the spastic ones (antagonist muscles) can reduce the impact of spasticity and improve functional movement.
3. Positioning and postural management can help to reduce muscle hyperactivity, minimise pain and prevent joint problems.
4. Advise on adjunct therapies depending on the individual and presentation. We may work alongside other medical professionals to support treatments such as Botulinum Toxin injections, splinting or orthotics.

Summary

Spasticity is a condition marked by abnormal muscle tone and tightness caused by disrupted communication in the nervous system. It can lead to discomfort, mobility limitations and changes in posture or function. Neurological physiotherapy can help to reduce symptoms and improve daily life.