Abstract
There are a number of physiological means of relaxing spasticity, including active resistive exercise, cold hydrotherapy, heat, electrical stimulation of antagonistic muscles, passive stretch in diagonal movement patterns, and the Von Bechterew reflex. Although none of them will cure spasticity, temporary relaxation may permit a patient to achieve better functioning of an affected joint. The choice of procedure will depend on the nature of the lesion and the muscular distribution of the spasticity.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- LA JOIE W. J., GERSTEN J. W. An objective method of evaluating muscle tightness; preliminary observations on the effectiveness of various procedures in producing muscle relaxation in the hemiplegic extremity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1952 Oct;33(10):595–603. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- LEVINE M. G., KNOTT M., KABAT H. Relaxation of spasticity by electrical stimulation of antagonist muscles. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1952 Nov;33(11):668–673. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- LIBET B., RUBIN D. Mephenesin in the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1952 Sep;116(3):198–209. doi: 10.1097/00005053-195209000-00002. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Sherrington C. S. Decerebrate Rigidity, and Reflex Coordination of Movements. J Physiol. 1898 Feb 17;22(4):319–332. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1898.sp000697. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- TWITCHELL T. E. The restoration of motor function following hemiplegia in man. Brain. 1951 Dec;74(4):443–480. doi: 10.1093/brain/74.4.443. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]