Treating spasticity

Is it best treated with Physical therapy?  I have a call in to the neurologist to see if that is where I should go, but just thought I would see if anyone has any other ideas.

I am having some bad calf tighness and pain the last few days - and my hip gets wonky, so I should probably do something about it.  Stretching or something....

Any thoughts?

Hugs,
Chrisy

[Wobbly]

Hi Chrisy..do you take any medications like Gabapentin for pains?  I'm not sure of an answer re: Physio Therapy?   But I can't see why a few stretches would hurt any??

try it and see how you feel, make sure to let the Neuro know how your feeling OK..

take care
wobbly
dx

[jensequitur]

Stretching is de rigeur (mandatory!) with MS.  Quix once told me that if you don't keep stretching, you'll end up with shortened tendons, so it's important to keep stretching.  To the point of pain - five or ten minutes of stretching each day.

I don't think PT will help.  You'll get some exercise, which is good, but it won't help the spasticity.  

[Lulu54]

If the PT focuses on your spasticity and keeping you stretched, it will be helpful.  Everyone should be doing some type of regular exercise to keep moving.

Has your neuro tried any drugs for spasticity? The basic drug is Baclofen and then there are others if that doesn't work for you.

be well,

Lulu

[goofysmom1]

Jens,
I was thinking that I would see the PT mostly so they could show me some good stretches, rather than true physical therapy.  Unless just basic stretches are enough?  

Wobbly,
I am not taking anything for pain at this point.  I am waiting to hear from the neuro - to go over my questions, since I am now in the "watch & monitor" phase of things.  Hope to get some clear ideas for symptom management!  :)  I hope you are hanging in there!

Hugs,
Chrisy

[Valerie64]

I'm in the same 'wait and see' place as you I think,

I had slight drop foot and spasticity in the left leg/foot and the physio gave me exercises to do every day and they did help a lot, it's not back to normal yet but it's improved a lot

it's always worth a try

Val

[goofysmom1]

Lulu,
I am not on any meds at this point - that is part of my Q & A for the neuro - how to manage my symptoms?  I walk almost everyday (except for the weekends) - usually about 1.5 to 2 miles.  I keep telling myself that I need to get back into yoga - I just need to do it.

Val,
Glad to hear that you are seeing some results from your exercises.

Hugs,
Chrisy

[Guitar_grrrl]

Stretching is SO essential for spasticity!  My method of choice is Yoga.  Just a level 1 - 2 class is all I need. I don't compare myself with others in the class - this path is my own.  I do this 2x/wk.

Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl