These suggestions should only be used in consultation with your doctor or healthcare professional.
At-home exercises
Physiotherapy treatments, including stretching and strength training, can help improve muscle tone and reduce other spasticity symptoms under the guidance of a specialist.1
If you or your loved one lives with spasticity, you may be able to follow a self-management programme that may include positioning, stretching, and self-exercise. Under the guidance of a team of specialists, a clear plan tailored to your individual goals and condition can be developed.2
Range of movement exercise for the hand
Hand stretches can be used to improve range of motion of the hand, fingers or wrist. They can be done regularly if tolerable and not painful. A rehabilitation specialist or therapist can advise on the right exercises for you.3
- Place your affected hand on a flat surface to help straighten your fingers.
- With your other hand, press gently downwards over the affected hand trying to place the palm on the flat surface.
- Do this until you feel a stretch and hold for a couple of minutes if tolerable.
- A certain level of discomfort is possible, but stop if you feel pain.
Regular exercises can improve movement patterns. Always be sure to include sufficient rest breaks to allow the body to recover.
Orthoses
Orthoses can help to support certain areas of the body. In this way, movements can be executed in a more controlled way and therefore easier manner.4 Speak to your doctor about which orthosis is best for you.
An orthosis (derived from the Greek ‘ortho,’ which means straight, upright, or correct5) is a medical aid that is industrially produced by orthotists and is available on prescription.5-7
References
1Etoom M, Khraiwesh Y, Lena F, Hawamdeh M, Hawamdeh Z, Centonze D, Foti C. Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Interventions on Spasticity in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Nov;97(11):793-807. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000970. PMID: 29794531.
2Royal College of Physicians, British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine, The
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Spasticity in adults: management using botulinum toxin. National guidelines. London: RCP, 2018. [Accessed September 2025]
3Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). Hand Exercises. Retrieved from https://ruh.nhs.uk/patients/patient_information/HTH021_Hand_Exercises.pdf [Accessed September 2025]
4Song Q, Qin Q, Suen LKP, Liang G, Qin H, Zhang L. Effects of wearable device training on upper limb motor function in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int Med Res. 2024 Oct;52(10):3000605241285858. doi: 10.1177/03000605241285858.
5Janisse DJ, Janisse EJ. Pedorthic and orthotic management of the diabetic foot. Foot Ankle Clin. 2006 Dec;11(4):717-34. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2006.06.005.
6Shahar FS, Hameed Sultan MT, Lee SH, Jawaid M, Md Shah AU, Safri SNA, Sivasankaran PN. A review on the orthotics and prosthetics and the potential of kenaf composites as alternative materials for ankle-foot orthosis. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2019 Nov;99:169-185. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.07.020.
7Wang JZ, Lillia J, Farhan M, Bi L, Kim J, Burns J, Cheng TL. Digital mapping of a manual fabrication method for paediatric ankle-foot orthoses. Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 24;11(1):19068. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98786-z.