Spasticity, muscle tightness after stroke

Spasticity

Spasticity is muscle tightness that appears after a stroke or brain injury. The muscle pulls tight on its own, so an arm or leg feels stiff and hard to move.

This matters because a tight limb can be uncomfortable and can pull a joint out of shape over time. It can also make dressing and hand hygiene difficult for the caregiver.

Our physiotherapist uses slow stretching, careful positioning and movement to ease the tightness. We teach the caregiver how to move the limb safely so it stays as supple as possible, and we adjust the plan as the tightness changes.