Spasticity
Spasticity involves involuntary muscle stiffness and/or spasms-sustained muscle contractions or sudden movements. It is one of the more common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Spasticity can be as mild as the feeling of tightness of muscles or so severe as to produce painful uncontrollable spasms of extremities, usually of the legs. Spasticity can also produce feelings of pain or tightness in and around joints and cause low back pain.
Some people whose legs are very weak, find that spasticity makes the legs more rigid and actually helps them to stand, transfer or walk.
Learn more: publications
Learn more: Podcast series, Not Alone.
Learn more: previous webinars
Short videos on Spasticity
The following 4 short videos are presented by Jackie Harris, MS Physiotherpaist (Recorded 29 March 2018)
What is Spasticity?
Spasticity – Medical Management
Spasticity – Physiotherapist Management
Spasticity – Adverse effects, aggravating factors and how to manage them
Managing Spasticity
Dr Phu Hoang, MS Consultant Physiotherapist explains spasticity in MS and management strategies. (Recorded September 2016)
Webinar Handouts:
Getting active with MS: managing spasticity
This program is supported by a grant from Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd
Learn more: upcoming programs
Visit our MS Education section to learn more about upcoming programs. For more information or to register please email education@ms.org.au or call MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138).
Seeing MS - Spasticity
Photographed by Matt Hoyle
Inspired by Tim Ferguson's invisible symptom
My legs feel cramped, stiff, and hard to bend. I walk like a rusty robot.
- TIM FERGUSON -
Spasticity
Muscle stiffness can result in uncontrollable spasms. Extreme cases can fully lock parts of your body.
Matt Hoyle
Matt Hoyle is an award winning celebrity photographer. Known for his passion and energy, Matt works closely with his subjects to create a portrait that tells a bigger story.
About Tim
Tim Ferguson is an influential Australian comedian, writer and public speaker. Although spasticity in his legs reduces his mobility, he fights his invisible battle with determination and a joke up his sleeve.