Management of spasticity may include:

Physical exercise and stretching
Regular exercise and stretching help maintain joint flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and improve range of motion. Therapists may guide patients through individualized programs that include strengthening, positioning, and repeated stretching to help manage spasticity over time.

Splints
Splints can help support proper limb positioning and prevent contractures. They are often used to maintain muscle length and joint alignment, especially when spasticity affects the arms, wrists, ankles, or feet.

Electrical stimulation devices
Electrical stimulation devices use small electrical impulses to activate targeted muscles. This may help improve muscle control, reduce stiffness, and support functional movement when used as part of a broader rehabilitation plan.

Oral medications and injections
Oral medications may be prescribed to reduce generalized muscle stiffness, while injections can target specific muscles affected by spasticity. These treatments are often used alongside rehabilitation therapy to improve comfort and function.

Living with spasticity can be easier with consistent daily habits and good communication with the care team.

Regular stretching routine
Gentle daily stretching, without forcing a limb into a painful position, may help reduce stiffness and maintain joint movement.

Importance of positioning
Good positioning in bed, a wheelchair, or a chair can help prevent worsening tightness. Therapists may also provide caregivers with safe ways to assist movement to avoid pain or injury.

Pain and skin problems
Stiff limbs may be harder to clean and move, increasing the risk of discomfort, skin irritation, or pressure sores. It is important to inspect the skin regularly, especially in folded areas of the hand, elbow, or foot.

Early signs of changes
Any sudden worsening of stiffness, pain, or difficulty moving should be immediately reported to the treating physician.

Recovering from spasticity after a stroke is often a gradual process, but even small functional gains can be meaningful for daily activities. Improvements such as opening the hand more easily, standing more safely, or making personal care more comfortable reflect important progress.

Rehabilitation is key to recover from swallowing difficulties after a stroke. A care team, often including rehabilitation physicians, speech therapists, nurses, and dietitians assesses swallowing and develops a plan to protect the airways while maintaining nutrition and hydration, adjusting it as recovery progresses. Speech therapy is essential, as Dr. Mea Sung explains: “Speech therapists teach exercises to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing and improve posture.” They also recommend dietary changes to reduce the risk of choking and aspiration, and also train caregivers in safe feeding.