Understanding Spasticity and the Support Available Close to Home

As we get older, staying mobile and independent becomes more important than ever. For some people, however, movement can become difficult due to a condition called spasticity.

Spasticity occurs when the normal messages between the brain, spinal cord and muscles are disrupted. This can cause muscles to feel tight, stiff or difficult to control. Everyday activities such as walking, dressing or holding objects may become harder. Spasticity can also lead to pain, changes in posture, reduced function and a lower quality of life.

It’s important to understand that spasticity is not a disease itself. Rather, it is a symptom of damage to the brain or spinal cord. It is most commonly seen after conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, but it can also occur following injuries, infections or tumours affecting the brain or spine. Because spasticity affects everyone differently, treatment needs to be carefully tailored to the individual. A Rehabilitation Physician is best positioned to assess a person thoroughly and develop a personalised management plan.

At Eden Private Hospital, both inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available. These may include physical therapy, robotic-assisted therapy, assistive equipment, orthotic devices and medication management. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Mariska Stuurstraat, a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician with a special interest in spasticity management and advanced skills in botulinum toxin injections.

“It is extremely rewarding for myself and the team at Eden Private Hospital to help enhance a patient’s quality of life by reducing the severity and impact of their spasticity. Botulinum toxin in particular can provide great benefit by targeting specific muscles for localised treatment,” says Dr Stuurstraat.

With the Sunshine Coast health precinct located in the southern part of the region, travelling for appointments can be challenging for those living in northern communities. Dr Stuurstraat recognises the difficulties that distance and transport can present, particularly for older patients. To help make care more accessible, Dr Stuurstraat offers bulk billing for botulinum toxin injections for PBS-eligible patients, removing cost as a barrier and helping ensure northern Sunshine Coast residents can receive the treatment they need closer to home.