Spasticity is a type of muscle stiffness found in some patients with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neurologic disorders. It results from the damage to or disruption of the central nervous system. Spasticity manifests as involuntary resistance to the passive stretch of skeletal musculature that inhibits functional movement patterns. It can affect a person's sense of well being by reducing function, causing pain and/or decreasing hygiene.

At the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI) in central New Jersey, patients are seen by a physiatrist (doctor of rehabilitation medicine) who is skilled in assessing and treating spasticity. The physiatrist performs an evaluation which includes a physical assessment, functional assessment, psychosocial evaluation, and a patient interview. The physiatrist and patient then agree on a treatment plan which may include medications, therapies, and/or injections.

For more information about our NJ spasticity treatment services or to schedule an appointment with a JRI physiatrist at our NJ facility, please call 732-321-7070.