Take Control of Spasticity at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

Spasticity is when muscles become stiff or overly tight, which can make movement difficult and cause discomfort. It can affect individuals recovering from a stroke, as well as those with other neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or brain injury. At Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, in Paramus NJ, we offer comprehensive treatment options designed to manage spasticity and improve quality of life, helping patients regain mobility and independence.

What Is Spasticity?

Spasticity occurs when communication between the brain and muscles is disrupted, which can lead to uncontrollable contractions. After a stroke, damage to areas of the brain that control movement can cause spasticity, affecting arms, legs, and the torso, making everyday activities challenging.

Symptoms of spasticity may include:

• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Involuntary muscle spasms
• Difficulty moving limbs
• Pain or discomfort in affected muscles 

Spasticity can lead to joint deformities and increased mobility issues if left untreated. 

Rehabilitation for Post-Stroke Spasticity

Spasticity affects 25% to 43% of stroke survivors, often developing within the first year after a stroke. Our comprehensive rehabilitation services can help patients regain movement, reduce pain, and increase independence.

Our multidisciplinary team, including physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, works together to create a personalized treatment plan based on a patient’s needs. This team approach helps patients achieve their goals, whether improving mobility, reducing pain, or regaining the ability to perform daily tasks.

Treatment Options for Spasticity

At Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, we offer several treatment options tailored to manage spasticity and improve quality of life:

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving movement, strength, and flexibility through hands-on techniques and personalized exercises.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps patients regain the ability to perform daily activities like eating, dressing, and walking. Therapists use stretching, strengthening exercises, and adaptive techniques to manage muscle tightness and improve independence.
• Nerve Blocks: Injections of anesthetic that temporarily reduce muscle tightness and pain, providing relief for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Medications: Oral medications can help reduce muscle stiffness and spasms.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox®): Injections that temporarily reduce muscle overactivity by blocking nerve signals, making movement easier and reducing discomfort caused by muscle spasms.

Note: Botox® is one of several treatment options we use alongside other therapies.

Why Choose Bergen New Bridge Medical Center? 

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center provides state-of-the-art, patient-centered care for individuals with spasticity and post-stroke recovery. Take the first step toward improving mobility and relieving discomfort - call 201-846-3586 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our comprehensive treatments and rehabilitation services.