What are the treatment possibilities?

Senior caucasian doctor talking with his senior caucasian female patient

Physical and occupational therapies

Physical therapy, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy and the use of orthotics, is a key component in the management of spasticity.1

Physiotherapy, like stretching and strength training, aims to improve muscle tone and reduce other symptoms of spasticity under the guidance of a physiotherapist. There are exercises that can also be performed at home for added benefit when advised by a specialist.1

Occupational therapy helps people living with spasticity manage everyday tasks. Its aim is to help them regain independence and support both them and their carers in dealing with daily challenges. Occupational therapists work to find practical solutions for problems with daily activities.1,2

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Rehabilitation, pharmacological, and surgical spasticity treatments

Spasticity is a complex condition and treating it requires a multidisciplinary team. Physical therapy alone may not be enough and a combination of rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapy), orthotics and medication may be adequate.1

Surgery may be an option to treat spasticity when other treatments like physical therapy, and pharmacological treatments are insufficient. The doctor or healthcare professional will be able to decide the best treatment approach with the patient.1,3-6

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Young caucasian female adult exercising at home while sitting on the floor and strechting her arms

Spasticity aids for daily activities

References

1Royal 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]

2Rowland TJ, Cooke DM, Gustafsson LA. Role of occupational therapy after stroke. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2008 Jan;11(Suppl 1):S99-S107. PMID: 35721442; PMCID: PMC9204113.

3North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). Botulinum toxin injections for muscle spasticity in adults. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/botulinum-toxin-injections-for-muscle-spasticity-in-adults/ [Accessed September 2025]

4Chang E, Ghosh N, Yanni D, Lee S, Alexandru D, Mozaffar T. A Review of Spasticity Treatments: Pharmacological and Interventional Approaches. Crit Rev Phys Rehabil Med. 2013;25(1-2):11-22. doi: 10.1615/CritRevPhysRehabilMed.2013007945. PMID: 25750484; PMCID: PMC4349402.

5Ghai, A., Garg, N., Hooda, S., & Gupta, T. (2013). Spasticity – Pathogenesis, prevention and treatment strategies. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 7(4), 453-460. https://doi.org/10.4103/1658-354X.121087 [Accessed September 2025]

6Fuller, D. A. (2011). Surgery in the management of spasticity. In A. Brashear & E. Elovic (Eds.), Spasticity: Diagnosis and management (pp. 245-260). Demos Medical Publishing.

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