Condition Guide · Brighton & Hove
Soft tissue therapy and dry needling offer meaningful relief for spasticity following neurological conditions, as part of a broader multidisciplinary management approach.
Understanding Spasticity
Spasticity is a motor disorder characterised by velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone, resulting from damage to the upper motor neuron pathways in the brain or spinal cord. It is a component of upper motor neuron syndrome and is distinct from rigidity, which is not velocity-dependent. In clinical practice it presents as increased muscle stiffness, resistance to passive movement, muscle spasms and sometimes pain.
Spasticity is common following stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury. Its severity ranges from mild stiffness that causes minimal functional limitation to severe spasm that significantly impairs mobility, personal care and quality of life.
Soft tissue therapy does not address the neurological cause of spasticity, which requires medical management. What it can do, meaningfully and consistently, is reduce the secondary musculoskeletal consequences: shortened muscles, restricted joint range of motion, trigger points that amplify spasm, and the postural and movement compensations that develop alongside spasticity. Dry needling in particular has a growing evidence base for reducing spasticity-related muscle overactivity and improving range of motion.
Spasticity management is most effective when coordinated across disciplines. Medical management with antispastic medication, Botulinum toxin injections where indicated, physiotherapy for functional rehabilitation, and soft tissue therapy for the musculoskeletal components each contribute to a comprehensive approach. I work alongside rather than instead of your existing neurological care team.
If you have spasticity secondary to a neurological condition, it is helpful to bring any relevant medical correspondence, medication list and information about your existing care team to your first appointment. This allows treatment to be planned in the context of your overall management and any contraindications to specific techniques to be identified.
Conditions Associated with Spasticity
Spasticity is a feature of upper motor neuron damage from a variety of causes. The underlying condition influences the pattern, severity and appropriate management approach.
Post-stroke spasticity typically develops weeks to months after the event and commonly affects the arm flexors and leg extensors on the affected side.
Spasticity affects up to 80% of people with MS and is one of the most common and disabling symptoms, particularly in progressive forms of the disease.
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form. Soft tissue therapy, alongside physiotherapy and medical management, helps maintain range of motion and comfort.
Spasticity below the level of injury is common following incomplete spinal cord injury and can be both a functional impairment and, paradoxically, a useful source of muscle activity for some patients.
Post-TBI spasticity varies significantly in pattern and severity depending on the location and extent of injury. Management must account for any cognitive and behavioural sequelae.
A group of inherited conditions causing progressive lower limb spasticity. Soft tissue therapy can meaningfully improve comfort and mobility as part of long-term management.
Treatment Approach
Treatment targets the secondary musculoskeletal consequences of spasticity rather than the neurological cause, working alongside your existing medical management.
Review of neurological history, current medication and care team, assessment of spasticity distribution and secondary musculoskeletal changes before any treatment.
Carefully applied manual therapy to reduce secondary muscle shortening, improve tissue extensibility and address the trigger points that amplify spasm.
Growing evidence supports dry needling for reducing spasticity-related muscle overactivity and improving passive range of motion in stroke and MS patients.
Sustained passive stretching to maintain muscle length and joint range of motion, reducing the risk of contracture development.
Practical guidance on positioning, movement patterns and self-management strategies to maintain the gains achieved in treatment sessions.
Communication with your neurologist, physiotherapist or GP where appropriate, to ensure treatment is coordinated with your overall management plan.
A free 15-minute consultation is available to discuss whether soft tissue therapy is appropriate for your specific situation before committing to a full appointment.