Find out what spasticity is and how a Physiatrist can help you

A spasticity is a disorder that can cause muscle stiffness, pain and movement difficulties, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. This condition, often associated with brain injuries such as strokes and spastic cerebral palsyrequires specialized approaches to promote relief and effective rehabilitation.

At the Instituto Medicina em Foco Dr. Gabriel Picarellispecialist in Physiatry e Neurophysiologyleads innovative treatments for severe spasticityusing resources such as the application of botulinum toxinHe offers personalized physiotherapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategies. With extensive experience, he helps patients regain their mobility and well-being.

If you are looking for modern treatments and humanized care to combat spasticity e chronic pain, book an appointment with Dr. Gabriel Picarelli at the Instituto Medicina em Foco and take the first step towards quality of life.

What is spasticity?

A spasticity is a motor disorder caused by lesions or dysfunctions in the central nervous system. This condition occurs due to increased muscle tone, which results in hypertonia and difficulty in performing voluntary movements.

Main symptoms of spasticity:

• Muscle stiffness, especially in lower limbs.
• Difficulty performing simple movements, such as walking or holding objects.
• Involuntary muscle spasms and contractions.
• Pain associated with muscle stiffness.

This condition is common after brain injuries such as strokes and trauma, and is often seen in cases of spastic cerebral palsy.

The relationship between stroke and spasticity

A spasticity is a common complication in patients who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Studies show that this condition occurs due to brain damage that affects the circuits responsible for muscle control.

This often affects the upper and lower limbs, impairing basic activities such as walking, eating or holding objects. Muscle stiffness can also cause chronic pain, worsening the clinical picture.

Impact on quality of life

A spasticity after brain injury interferes with daily activities, compromising independence and increasing the risk of falls. This is why a physiatrist is essential to improve mobility and regain autonomy.

Spastic cerebral palsy

A spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy, affecting around 70% of diagnosed cases. This condition, which usually manifests itself in childhood, is characterized by:

• Muscle stiffness and hypertonia.
• Joint deformities.
• Difficulty making voluntary movements.

Meet Dr. Gabriel Picarelli

O Dr. Gabriel Picarellispecialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry) e Neurophysiologyis a reference in the treatment of spasticity. With extensive experience, he uses modern, personalized approaches to help his patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

In Instituto Medicina em FocoDr. Gabriel works with a highly qualified multidisciplinary teamoffering treatments ranging from the use of botulinum toxin to advanced physical rehabilitation.

Types and degrees of Spasticity

A spasticity can vary significantly in terms of types and degrees of severity, depending on the underlying cause and the areas of the body affected. It is classified according to location, as in lower limbs or upper limbs, and by the predominant symptoms, such as hypertonia, muscle spasms or generalized stiffness.

To assess its degree, health professionals use specialized scales, such as the Modified Ashworth Scale or the Tardieu Scale. These tools help measure the intensity of muscle stiffness and guide the choice of the most appropriate treatment.

An accurate diagnosis is essential in order to personalize therapies and offer effective results for each patient. Make an appointment for accurate and early treatment.

Lower limb spasticity

A spasticity in the lower limbs is often observed in patients who have suffered STROKEhave spastic cerebral palsy or injuries to the spinal cord. The most common symptoms include:

• Intense muscle stiffnessmaking basic movements difficult.
• Involuntary spasmsoften painful.
• Reduced joint range of motion.

Functional impact and treatments

This condition can make everyday activities such as climbing stairs, walking or getting up from a chair difficult, as well as causing joint deformities in severe cases. To treat lower limb spasticityapproaches include:

• Targeted physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen muscles.
• Use of orthopaedic devicessuch as orthoses, to improve body alignment.
• In more severe situations, treatment may involve botulinum toxinspecific medications or even surgery.

Degrees of spasticity: mild and severe

A mild spasticity is characterized by minimal muscle stiffness. It may not cause major functional impacts, but it can limit more complex movements.

Severe severe spasticity involves intense and frequent muscle contractions, resulting in pain, deformities and significant motor difficulties.

How are the degrees determined?

Experts assess the frequency, intensity and impact of symptoms in the patient’s life, using standardized scales. This detailed analysis is fundamental for planning personalized treatments, in line with the degree of severity and individual needs.

Treatments adjusted to the level of spasticity guarantee greater effectiveness and help patients recover their functionality and quality of life.

As spasticity affect your daily routine?

A spasticity can turn simple everyday tasks into real challenges. Getting dressed, eating or doing household chores often require additional effort and functional adaptations. Muscle stiffness limits movement, while frequent spasms can cause discomfort and frustration during everyday life.

Complications associated with severe spasticity

A severe spasticity can lead to serious physical complications such as:

• Muscle contractureswhich make movement even more difficult.
• Joint deformitiesespecially in long-term cases.
• Chronic pain that interferes with general well-being.

In addition to the physical impacts, emotional complications are also relevant. Patients with degrees of spasticity More severe patients may face social isolation, due to the difficulty of mobility or the need for constant assistance. This can lead to anxiety and depression.

The use of botulinum toxinfor example, support devices and psychological support are fundamental to minimizing these complications and restoring the patient’s physical and emotional balance.

The importance of early intervention

Identifying and treating spasticity as early as possible is essential to prevent the progression of symptoms and their complications. Early intervention can prevent contractures, improve range of motion and allow the patient to maintain greater functionality over time.

The support of specialists such as Dr. Gabriel Picarelliat the Instituto Medicina em Focooffers patients the opportunity to receive modern, personalized therapies, promoting a significant improvement in quality of life. Get in touch with MEF.

How Physiatry helps in the treatment of spasticity?

A Physiatry is a medical specialty focused on treating musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunctions through functional recovery, improving patients’ quality of life. This approach allows for the relief of symptoms and the prevention of complications that can arise due to muscle stiffness and limited movement.

Diagnostic approach of a Physiatrist specialist

An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards proper management of spasticity. The Physiatrist carries out a detailed clinical assessment, which includes:

• Patient’s medical historyto understand the underlying causes and the impact of the condition on daily routine.
• Analysis of symptoms and patterns of muscle stiffnessobserving affected areas, frequency of spasms and functional limitations.
• Use of specific scalessuch as the Modified Ashworth Scale or the Tardieu Scale, to measure the degree of spasticity and guide treatment.

In addition, complementary tests such as magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography can be essential in establishing an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for determining the best treatment for you.

Available treatments

A Physiatry offers a wide range of therapeutic options for the management of spasticityThese range from conservative interventions to more advanced treatments. Each approach is adapted to the case of each patient.

Botulinum injections

The application of botulinum toxin is one of the most effective strategies for combating severe spasticity. This treatment relaxes the affected muscles, temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause the stiffness. The effect lasts from 3 to 6 months, providing significant relief and greater functionality for the patient.

Exercises for spasticity

The personalized exercises play a fundamental role in the treatment of spasticity. They include:

• Passive and active stretchingwhich help to reduce muscle stiffness and prevent contractures.
• Muscle strengthening trainingaimed at improving motor control and increasing mobility.
• Functional activitiesFunctional activities are designed to facilitate the performance of daily tasks and promote greater independence.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation

A multidisciplinary rehabilitation is an integrated approach that brings together the expertise of various professionals, such as physiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. This collaboration offers a more complete and effective treatment, with benefits such as:

• Improved general functionality and quality of life.
• Reduction of physical and emotional complications associated with spasticity.
• Emotional and psychological support, especially important in chronic conditions.

Contact with Medicina em Foco to make an appointment with Dr. Gabriel.

Dr. Gabriel Picarelli and the Instituto Medicina em Foco: a reference in the treatment for spasticity

O Dr. Gabriel Picarelli is a renowned specialist in Physiatry e Neurophysiologywith extensive experience in the treatment of complex conditions such as spasticity. His work in Instituto Medicina em Foco (MEF) stands out for offering modern, integrated approaches aimed at functional recovery and improving patients’ quality of life.

O Instituto Medicina em Foco is a reference in the treatment of spasticity, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, a qualified multidisciplinary team and humanized care, always focused on providing the best therapeutic results.

Instituto Medicina em Foco’s structure for treatment for spasticity

A MEF has a complete structure for the management of spasticityWe offer personalized treatments tailored to the specific needs of each patient. The multidisciplinary team includes:

• Physiatristssuch as Dr. Gabriel Picarelli, who leads the diagnosis and treatment plans.
• Specialized physiotherapistsfocused on therapeutic exercises and motor rehabilitation.
• Occupational therapistswho help with functional adaptation to daily activities.

Na MEFeach patient is treated with personalized attention and innovative solutions, guaranteeing not only the reduction of symptoms, but also the recovery of autonomy and quality of life.

Book your appointment

With a modern and humanized approach, the team is ready to meet your specific needs. Get in touch today and schedule your appointment to start on a path of transformation and well-being.

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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Physiatry for spasticity

1. What is muscle spasticity and how can you identify the symptoms?

Spasticity is muscle rigidity caused by dysfunctions in the nervous system. The main symptoms include difficulty moving and spasms.

2. How can physiatrists help treat severe spasticity?

Physiatrists use treatments such as physiotherapy and botulinum toxin to reduce muscle stiffness and improve mobility.

3. What are the best exercises to reduce spasticity in the lower limbs?

Stretching, muscle strengthening and balance exercises are essential.

4. Botulinum toxin treatment for spasticity: how does it work?

The toxin reduces stiffness by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions.

5. Spasticity in patients with spastic cerebral palsy: what are the rehabilitation options?

Physiotherapy, occupational therapies and multidisciplinary support are essential.

6. What are the degrees of spasticity and how are they assessed?

The degrees range from mild to severe and are assessed by clinical scales such as the Modified Ashworth Scale.

7. How can physiatrists treat hypertonia caused by spasticity?

Physiatrists use physical therapies, medication and botulinum toxin to reduce hypertonia.

8. Spasticity after a stroke: what treatments are indicated?

Physical rehabilitation, botulinum toxin and personalized physiotherapy.

9. What are the main symptoms of muscle spasticity and how can they be treated?

Stiffness, spasms and motor difficulties can be treated with exercises and medication.

10. Rehabilitation for spasticity in São Paulo: where to find specialized treatment?

The Instituto Medicina em Foco is a reference in the treatment of spasticity in São Paulo.