Spasticity develops because of changes in how the brain and spinal cord control movement. Normally, the brain sends balanced messages that help muscles tighten and relax smoothly. After a neurological injury or condition, some of these messages become reduced or disrupted.
When the brain cannot send enough “calming” signals down to the spinal cord, the reflexes that help protect muscles become overactive. This leads to muscles tightening more than they should when they are stretched or moved. As a result, muscles stay stiff, react strongly to movement, and may spasm without warning.
What is Spasticity and why does it happen?
Spasticity is a term used to describe muscle tightness, stiffness or difficulty relaxing the muscles. It can cause movements to feel slow, effortful or restricted, and may lead to spasms or sudden jerking. Some people notice that their muscles pull into certain positions or that their limbs feel harder to move during everyday activities.
Why does Spasticity happen?
What can trigger Spasticity?
Spasticity can change during the day and may worsen when the body is under stress. Common triggers include:
Identifying possible triggers and finding ways to manage or improve them should normally see improvements in spasticity and associated comfort.
- Pain (muscle pain, joint pain, headaches).
- Infections, especially urinary tract infections.
- Constipation or bowel irritation.
- Full bladder or bladder issues.
- Temperature changes, especially cold environments.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Fatigue or poor sleep.
- Skin problems, including pressure areas or ingrown toenails.
- Tight clothing or splints.
- Poor posture or long periods of sitting/lying in one position.
Identifying possible triggers and finding ways to manage or improve them should normally see improvements in spasticity and associated comfort.
How can Spasticity impact day to day function?
Spasticity can affect people in different ways depending on which muscles are involved. It may cause stiffness, difficulty bending or straightening a limb, or trouble coordinating smooth movements. This can impact walking, balance, reaching, using your hands or completing household tasks.
Some people find that spasticity increases effort and fatigue during daily activities. Others may struggle with dressing, transfers, keeping good posture or getting comfortable in bed or a chair. Spasticity can also cause discomfort, disturbed sleep or limit range of movement, which may affect independence over time.
Understanding how spasticity influences your daily life helps your physiotherapist work with you to set goals and develop a personalised management plan.
Some people find that spasticity increases effort and fatigue during daily activities. Others may struggle with dressing, transfers, keeping good posture or getting comfortable in bed or a chair. Spasticity can also cause discomfort, disturbed sleep or limit range of movement, which may affect independence over time.
Understanding how spasticity influences your daily life helps your physiotherapist work with you to set goals and develop a personalised management plan.
The risk of prolonged spasticity
Contractures can develop if spasticity is present for a long time. Having prolonged constant muscle tightness and reduced movement can cause muscle fibres and the surrounding tissues to shorten, leading to stiff joints and difficulty moving. Once those fibres have shortened, it becomes very difficult to get that range of movement back again.
Early management of spasticity is important to help maintain movement and reduce the risk of contractures developing.
Early management of spasticity is important to help maintain movement and reduce the risk of contractures developing.