Spasticity makes muscles stiff, jerky, or hard to control. That stiffness can get in the way of walking, dressing, or even sleeping. The good news: spasticity often improves with the right mix of medicine, procedures, and rehab. Below I’ll lay out clear options you can ask your clinician about and practical tips you can try at home.
First-line drugs used to lower whole-body spasticity include oral baclofen and tizanidine. Baclofen reduces stretch reflexes and works well for leg or trunk tightness; tizanidine is helpful when muscle tone spikes and you need fewer side effects on balance. Both can cause drowsiness and low blood pressure—start low and go slow.
For focal spasticity, botulinum toxin injections target specific overactive muscles. Injections weaken the tight muscle for several months so it can be stretched and retrained. They work well for foot, hand, or neck problems and let therapists make faster progress.
If oral drugs and injections aren’t enough, intrathecal baclofen pumps deliver medicine directly to the spinal fluid. That gives stronger relief at lower doses and fewer systemic side effects. It’s a surgical option, so discuss risks and long-term follow-up with your team.
Dantrolene and benzodiazepines are other choices in certain cases, but they can cause weakness or sedation. Your doctor will balance benefits against side effects based on your goals—better function, less pain, or easier care.
Physical and occupational therapy are the backbone of any spasticity plan. Therapists use stretching, strengthening, task practice, and positioning to retrain movement. Regular, guided stretching reduces tone and keeps joints flexible. Even short daily sessions (10–20 minutes) can matter.
Orthotics like splints or ankle-foot orthoses help keep joints aligned and make walking safer. Night splints can stop contractures from forming while you sleep. Simple tools—foam wedges, supportive shoes, or adaptive utensils—reduce effort and frustration.
Heat, cold, and electrical stimulation can temporarily ease tightness and make therapy more effective. Try heat before stretching to warm muscles, and a short cold pack afterward if there’s soreness. Ask your therapist which option fits your situation.
Track what helps. Keep a short diary: time of day, what triggered the spasm, what reduced it, and how it affected movement. That data helps your clinician fine-tune meds, injection sites, or therapy focus.
If tone changes suddenly, or you get fever, severe pain, or new weakness, contact your doctor fast—those can be signs of infection, drug reaction, or another problem. Otherwise, steady rehab plus the right medical approach gives the best chance to reduce spasticity and improve daily life. Talk with a neurologist, physiatrist, or rehab therapist to build a plan that fits your goals and routine.
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