Treatment

Patients with spasticity have tight muscles. As bones grow during childhood the neighboring muscles have difficulty in keeping pace. This eventually causes muscle contractures and over a period of years this can lead to bone deformity and joint dislocation.

The generally accepted algorithm for the management of patients with cerebral palsyis that surgery is reserved for patients with contractures and bone deformity while Botulinum toxin, baclofen (antispasmodic medicine) and selective dorsal rhizotomy (surgery on spinal cord) are indicated to treat spasticity in the earlier stages.

Sustained stretching exercises supervised by physiotherapists and maintained with splints encourage muscles to grow in length and help to prevent contractures.