Contracture is the adaptive shortening to the muscular structures exacerbated by immobility of a joint. It is caused by secondary complications of spasticity following nervous system damage and is common in conditions such as acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
Contracture can be painful, reduce range of movement, cause pressure damage and reduce independence and function. To limit adverse effects and aid maximal function and independence it is important to treat spasticity.
One treatment for this is the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) post botulinum toxin injections. Earlier this year guidelines for spasticity in adults: Management using botulinum toxin were published by The Royal College of Physicians.
Functional Electrical stimulation (FES)
The guidelines highlighted the evidence base post-injection management and, are supportive of the use of electrical stimulation. They suggest that “Consideration of other treatments that may enhance the effects of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A), such as constraint therapy or electrical stimulation as appropriate.”
It also said, “There is some evidence that electrical stimulation of the injected muscle may enhance the anti-spastic effects of BoNT-A (Hesse, Reiter et al 1998)”. Furthermore, “FES of the antagonist muscle may help to build up muscle strength and so enhance functional benefits (Hesse, Reiter et al 1998).” This suggests that electrical stimulation may be used in the agonist and antagonistic muscle after Botulinum toxin injection.
FES is a valuable tool in managing spasticity
The Xcite is a FES device which offers up to 12 channel electrical stimulation to provide stimulation to the agonist and antagonistic muscle. The Xcite can be a valuable tool for clinicians in using after Botulinum toxin injection for the management of spasticity.
For more information on how FES and the Xcite can be used after a Botulinum toxin injection please contact us by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
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