We describe the general aspects of hand spasticity, spasticity treatment options, and how to choose a hand rehab glove to manage hand spasticity.

How to manage hand spasticity - Hand splint after stroke

Many stroke survivors suffer from spasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/spasticity-and-stroke] in their affected hand,
causing them to present with a clenched fist. Spasticity is a condition of
muscle stiffness and is caused by miscommunication from the brain to the
affected hand. Hand spasticity also interferes with limb positioning, grasping,
self-care and other activities of daily living.

Table of contents

 * The general aspects of hand spasticity
 * Spasticity treatment options
 * How to choose a hand rehab glove?


 The general aspects of the spasticity in the hand
 * Muscles appear stiff because the signals to the muscles are sent incorrectly
   through the damaged part of the brain.
 * When a muscle is affected by spasticity, the limbs seem more stiff the faster
   it is moved.
 * Spasticity is seen in a number of different conditions including cerebral
   palsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple
   sclerosis.
 * People may have difficulty moving from one position to another.
   


 3 general spasticity treatment options
There are a few different spasticity treatment options. These treatments can be
both temporary or permanent.

 1. Botox

One temporary option would be getting a botox injection to the hand. Botox is a
medication that is used to relax the muscles. Botox usually lasts about 3 months
before it wears off.


2. Utilizing hand splints(orthosis)

Another way to treat spasticity is by utilizing hand splints(orthosis). If
someone keeps their hand clenched all day, their muscles will start to shorten,
causing them to become very tight. If the hand is in a clenched position for too
long without being stretched, it can cause contractures. Contractures
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-do-i-prevent-hand-contracture-after-a-stroke] 
can be very painful and can require surgery to release them. In order to prevent
contractures, it is important to stretch out the muscles. Neofect provides a
variety of hand orthosis for stroke recovery according to the hand movement
level.


3. Rewire pathways in the brain through Neuroplasticity

In order to treat spasticity in a more permanent way, one would have to retrain
the brain in order to prevent miscommunication from the brain to the hand.
Reorganization of surviving central nervous system elements supports behavioral
recovery.

Stroke survivors can rewire the pathways in the brain. This process is known as 
Neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation]
. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to rewire itself even in injured
areas by performing repetitive tasks and movements. Repetition helps stimulate
neuroplasticity and strengthen new neural connections that are growing. The main
goal of task oriented/repetitive rehab activity is to enhance neuroplasticity as
well as support behavioral and functional recovery like opening the hand.




 How to choose a Hand Rehab Glove
Now that you know using a hand splint or stroke recovery equipment is one of the
ways to treat hand spasticity, you might be wondering which hand splint to use.
Here are a few things to consider before choosing a hand splint. Refer to the
image below to find the right hand splint for you.


 
[https://shop.neofect.com?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=img-how-to-choose-glove]



Neofect Extender
[https://shop.neofect.com/products/neofect-extender?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=txt-neofect-extender] 
is a positioning tool for those with mind spasticity or weakness. With
customizable tension straps, the extender helps reduce spasticity by encouraging
the fingers into an extended open hand position. The finger strapping can also
be reserved to support a secure grip while holding an object.

 
[https://shop.neofect.com/products/neofect-extender?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=img-neofect-extender]



Neofect Extender Plus
[https://shop.neofect.com/products/neofect-extender-plus?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=txt-neofect-ext-plus] 
has a lightweight ergonomic design that features gliding elastic finger
strapping which mimics the natural movement of the extensor tendons of the
fingers. The proprietary tension system gently extends the client’s fingers and
thumb following grasping. Thick industrial strength velcro allows for the
tension to be adjusted for each fingers as well as the MCPs and wrist. The palm
is exposed to increase breathability and ease when putting the glove on.

 
[https://shop.neofect.com/products/neofect-extender-plus?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=img-neofect-ext-plus]



Neofect Finger Splint
[https://shop.neofect.com/products/neofect-finger-splint?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=txt-neofect-finger-splint] 
is a finger positioning tool for those who have moderate to severe hand
spasticity. The splint prevents deformity and shortening of the fingers caused
by spasticity. 

 
[https://shop.neofect.com/products/neofect-finger-splint?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=img-neofect-finger-splint]



A great way to provide a long passive stretch is by utilizing Neofect’s hand
orthosis. These are functional gloves for stroke survivors that are used to
minimize spasticity, maintain functional grasp as well as prevent stiffness. To
find out more about the Neofect Hand Orthosis please call us at 888-623-8947 or
email us at contactus@neofect.com.

To purchase Neofect's hand splints, visit Neofect Shop
[https://shop.neofect.com?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=txt-visit-neofect-shop] 
now!



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Further reading

 * How to normalize gait - Dynamic AFO Foot Drop Brace after stroke
   [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-to-normalize-gait-dynamic-afo-foot-drop-brace-after-stroke]
   


Other support and brace products

 
[https://shop.neofect.com?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Post-how-to-manage-hand&utm_term=20210714&utm_content=img-other-products]