How everyday life changes with spasticity
With spasticity, many aspects of everyday life can be difficult and arduous, and sometimes even become extremely challenging. The following areas may be affected1-4:
- Eating and cooking
- Dressing
- Housekeeping
- Mobility (walking to the supermarket or to work)
- Sleep quality
- Personal hygiene
- Posture
Depending on where and how severe spasticity is, it can affect your daily life or that of someone you care for in different ways.2
You may need assistance with tasks that you previously could do naturally and independently, such as preparing a meal or getting dressed. You might also find it challenging to continue with your personal and professional routines as usual. It’s important to address these challenges, as well as the emotional impact of spasticity, with the support of a multidisciplinary team.3
Support is key: post-stroke spasticity patients must not be left to cope alone.
Specialist doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists as well as self-help organisations are key sources of information and advice. Although not curable, with the research and development of modern treatment methods and their application, spasticity is managed more appropriately and comprehensively. Treatment can ease symptoms of spasticity and a multidisciplinary team can help set and achieve treatment goals such as resuming everyday activities, alleviating muscle stiffness, and improving pain and sleep quality.3
There are resources and support available to help you navigate the challenges of spasticity. Reach out to your doctor, other individuals living with spasticity, patient communities, and organisations for guidance.
Spasticity – who can help me?
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Make an appointment with your GP:
They can refer you to neurology specialists and physiotherapists
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Patient communities:
Talk to other people living with spasticity. You can share experiences and encourage one another. There are also patient advocacy groups, for example the Stroke Alliance for Europe.
References
1Milinis K, Young CA; Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions (TONiC) study. Systematic review of the influence of spasticity on quality of life in adults with chronic neurological conditions. Disabil Rehabil. 2016 Jul;38(15):1431-1441. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1106592. Epub 2015 Dec 29. PMID: 26713898.
2Schinwelski MJ, Sitek EJ, Wąż P, Sławek JW. Prevalence and predictors of post-stroke spasticity and its impact on daily living and quality of life. Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2019;53(6):449-457. doi: 10.5603/PJNNS.a2019.0067. Epub 2019 Dec 17. PMID: 31845749.
3Barnes, M., Kocer, S., Murie Fernandez, M., Balcaitiene, J., & Fheodoroff, K. (2016). An international survey of patients living with spasticity. Disability and Rehabilitation, 39(14), 1428–1434. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1198432 [Accessed September 2025]
4Milinis, K., Tennant, A., & Young, C. A. Year: 2016 Title: Spasticity in multiple sclerosis: Associations with impairments and overall quality of life. Journal: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Volume: 5 Pages: 34-39 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.10.007