Aims of treatment
Images subject to copyright. Anatomical diagrams are reproduced with permission from Jost, W; Pictorial Atlas of Botulinum Toxin Injection: Localization, Application; Quintessence Publishing Co Ltd; August 2008. Courtesy of Merz Pharma UK. M-MP-UKI-0059.
The primary aim of the treatment of hypertonus or spasticity in muscles is:
- to maintain length
- to allow normal positioning of the limbs
This will help prevent secondary soft tissue shortening.
“The mainstay of treatment is muscle stretching, and splinting/orthotics provide a means to maintain prolonged stretching in between sessions of physiotherapy and manual handling” (Verplancke et al 2005).
The primary aim of the treatment of hypotonus or flaccidity in muscle is:
- to preserve alignment of muscle and joints
- to preserve function
Any intervention should be aimed at facilitating these fundamental treatments. This role should be multidisciplinary and part of the patient’s everyday treatment and care planning.
Page last reviewed: 04 May 2020
