Spasticity Management

Regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life. Our comprehensive approach combines advanced medical treatments with personalized rehabilitation.

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Spasticity

Spasticity is abnormal muscle tightness which results from an injury or disease of the brain or spinal cord.
Spasticity is a condition in which muscles stiffen or tighten, preventing normal fluid movement. The muscles remain contracted and resist being stretched, affecting movement, speech, and gait.

It is usually caused by damage to the portion of the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement. This damage results in an imbalance in signals between the nervous system and the muscles.

Who Gets Spasticity?

Common Causes

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Stroke
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

How do I know if I have spasticity?

Common symptoms include:

• Muscle Stiffness
• Involuntary Spasms
• Painful Cramps
• Functional Limits

Treatments for Spasticity

Stretching & Exercise

Physical and occupational therapy are cornerstones of management. Regular stretching helps maintain range of motion and prevents permanent muscle shortening (contractures).

Bracing (Orthotics)

Splints or braces provide prolonged stretching to keep muscles in a lengthened position and assist with functional movements like walking.

Oral Medications

Medications such as Baclofen or Tizanidine work systemically to relax muscles. They are effective but may have side effects like drowsiness.

Botox injections

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a targeted treatment that is injected directly into the affected muscle. It works by blocking the signals from the nerves that cause the muscle to contract.

Botox Injections

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a targeted treatment that is injected directly into the affected muscle. It works by blocking the signals from the nerves that cause the muscle to contract.

Funding & Coverage

You may be eligible for coverage of your Botox injections through OHIP if:
- You are over the ager of 65 and have had a stroke or spinal cord injury
- You have cerebral palsy

Who might benefit?

If you are enrolled in any of the following programs you may be eligible for funding through the Exceptional Access Program:
- ODSP
- Ontario Works
- WSIB
- Ontario Drub Benefit
- Trillium Drug Program