Prevention
Be careful about getting pressure sores from exercise or being in the same position in a bed or wheelchair for too long.
Muscle spasticity can increase your chances of falling and hurting yourself. Be sure to take precautions so you do not fall.
Risk Factors
These things may make your spasticity worse:
- Being too hot or too cold
- The time of day
- Stress
- Tight clothing
- Bladder infections and spasms
- Your menstrual cycle (for women)
- Certain body positions
- New skin wounds or ulcers
- Hemorrhoids
- Being very tired or not getting enough sleep
Treatment
Your physical therapist can teach you and your caregiver stretching exercises you can do. These stretches will help keep your muscles from getting shorter or tighter.
Being active will also help keep your muscles loose. Aerobic exercise, especially swimming, and strength-building exercises are both helpful. Playing games and sports and doing daily tasks may also help. Talk with your doctor or physical therapist first before starting any exercise program.
Your doctor or nurse may place splints or casts on some of your joints to keep them from becoming so tight that you cannot move them easily. Make sure to wear these as your doctor or nurse tells you to.
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