The Spasticity Management Program at Tufts Medical Center provides personalized care to children and adolescents who have pain, discomfort or physical limitations caused by spasticity. Our physiatrists have decades of experience in treating children with Botulinum toxin (Botox) therapy, phenol therapy, intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps and a wide range of advanced, non-surgical techniques — all delivered with warmth, understanding and personal attention your child will find reassuring.
The methods we use to manage spasticity are based on an in-depth evaluation of your child, which leads to a carefully designed, personalized treatment plan. Each child’s needs are different, and our treatment approach reflects your child’s uniqueness. We select and use the right combination of therapies to help your child reach his or her goals, such as staying in school, exercising, playing and building friendships.
Depending on the severity and frequency of your child’s spasticity problems, we may use traditional, physical methods of management, such as therapeutic heat, cold and electrical stimulation, in combination with the latest in effective physiatric techniques, which reduce hyper-tonicity (abnormally tight muscle or muscles).
Some of the other typical treatments options we may prescribe include:
For many patients, injecting their muscles with Botox or phenol can temporarily alleviate spasticity. How long the benefit of these injections lasts depend on the severity of your child’s condition, the dose of medication and other factors.
Botox or phenol is often prescribed to temporarily suppress spasticity so your child can participate in physical therapy and exercise, work on communications skills and pursue other goals. Additionally, these medications can relieve spasticity in some children for longer periods. Botox injections, for example, can be effective for up to six months.
For children with severe spasticity, an ITB pump can be effective in controlling spasticity on a daily basis. After the ITB pump is surgically implanted in the abdomen, it continuously releases baclofen into the body to manage spasticity 24/7.
When spasticity or contractures shorten tendons, we may use bracing to correct the problem, or we may recommend a procedure such as:
These tendon procedures are performed by expert surgeons in Pediatric Orthopaedics, who work closely with us and are just a few steps from our office space in Tufts Medical Center. The orthopaedists at Tufts Medical Center also treat patients whose disabilities lead to arthritis, scoliosis and other musculoskeletal problems.
A major advantage of coming to our physiatry department is that we work closely with a wide range of experienced pediatric specialists here at Tufts Medical Center and in your community.
Depending on your child’s need and goals, we may also collaborate on his or her care with experts in areas such as:
Accepting New Patients
Virtual Appointments Available
Title(s): Attending, Chief of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine; Assistant Clinical Professor, TUSM Department(s): Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Appt. Phone: 617-636-5626 Fax #: 617-636-5056
Cerebral Palsy, spasticity management, focal tone modulation with Botulinum toxin, nerve blocks, intrathecal Baclofen pump evaluation and management
Title(s): Physiatrist, Pediatric Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Clinical Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine Department(s): Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Appt. Phone: 617-636-5626 Fax #: 617-636-5056
Pediatric rehabilitation, spasticity/tone evaluation and treatment, long-term care of chronically impaired children, transition of disabled children to adult services, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, orthotics for gait disorders, pediatric orthotics
