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!



--

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]

hand splint

A stroke is caused by either a blockage of a blood vessel or bleeding in or around the brain, which results in a lack of oxygen to the brain and the death of brain cells.

Spasticity and Stroke

Stroke and Brain Function
A stroke is caused by either a blockage of a blood vessel or bleeding in or
around the brain, which results in a lack of oxygen to the brain and the death
of brain cells.

In the simplest terms the brain receives messages, process messages, and sends
messages. Each area of the brain is responsible for different things. Depending
on the area of the brain that was damaged will determine which messages are
interrupted.

If the area of the brain that was damaged was the signal to send a message to
your bicep and/or tricep muscles (the muscles that bend and straighten your
elbow), you might experience tightness of those muscles due to spasticity.

What is Spasticity?


Spasticity is essentially a reflex. Reflexes are our bodies way of protecting
ourselves. When we touch a hot stove with our hand, our muscles immediately
contract to move our hand out of harms way. This message is not actually coming
from the brain. It would take too long for the signal to go from the skin to the
brain, process it, and send a signal back to the muscle to move away from the
hot object. The pain message from the skin goes to the spinal cord and sends a
signal right away to the muscle to contract. Once the hand is moved away from
the harmful surface the brain has had enough time to process if it is safe for
the muscle to relax, and is able to send a signal to relax the muscle.

In it's truest definition, spasticity occurs in response to quick movement: if
your elbow is quickly extended, it will pull into flexion. This reaction is a
symptom that the brain to muscle messaging system is impaired. But spasticity
and increased tone are also used as general terms to describe any tightness of
muscles that result from damage to the brain or spinal cord. Meaning when the
tightness of a muscle occurs without the quick stretch, such as posturing the
arm in flexion or a muscle tightening during an activity, this is often referred
to as spasticity as well.

What happens after a stroke is that the brain has difficulty sending a signal to
the muscle to relax. Sometimes the message is absent and there is no active
signal and sometimes the message to relax is weak. This is why some people might
tighten when they are running or during an activity. Their brain is working hard
on sending signals to the rest of the body, it doesn't have the time to work on
sending a signal to relax the muscle.

Managing Spasticity
It’s important to note that not all spasticity is bad. Many people with stroke
use their spasticity to assist with standing, transfers, and daily activities.
It’s important to discuss options for managing spasticity and functional
implications with your physician and your occupational or physical therapist.

There are two general approaches that address spasticity: medical management and
physical management. Medical management is decided in collaboration with the
patient and physician. It addresses the neural component that is causing the
muscle tightness. Medical management of spasticity includes oral medications,
neurotoxin or phenol injections, and surgical interventions.

The physical management is typically addressed by a physical or occupational
therapist and addresses the biomechanics of the joint to prevent muscle
shortening, joint deformities, and decreased function. Physical management
includes stretching, muscle strengthening, and intensive repetitions. Physical
and occupational therapists also use electrical stimulation
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/can-e-stim-help-jumpstart-outpatient-stroke-rehabilitation] 
and ice as modalities to limit spasticity during exercise or functional
activity.

STRETCHING

Spasticity tightens our muscles and over time the muscle begins to shorten. This
limits our ability to move our joints even further. Stretching has the potential
to quiet the hyper exaggerated reflex for several hours, as well as the benefit
of maintaining range of motion. Stretches should be held for 30 seconds or more
and you may feel a release of the muscle tone.

Splinting and orthotics are used for an even longer stretch. They position a
joint optimally to maintain length of a muscle and prevent contractures.
Depending on the purpose, splints and orthotics are worn during the day or at
night to allow for hours of stretch time.

Weight-bearing is a form of prolonged stretching with the added benefits of
strengthening and increasing bone density. After a stroke the motor function of
the leg tends to return before the arm, and one of the reasons may be the
motivation to walk and the intensive weight bearing of the leg. When we weight
bear or put pressure on our muscles and joints, we are sending signals to the
brain. The brain is getting a lot of feedback from that extremity. Any weight
bearing of the upper extremity either at the wall, table, or floor helps sends
signals to the brain that reminds it the arm is still there.

STRENGTHENING

Strengthening can improve spasticity in two ways. By strengthening the
antagonist (opposing) muscle, it can help inhibit the reaction of the spastic
muscle. When the spastic muscle activates and tries to pull a joint into
flexion, the extensor muscle has the capacity to limit the flexion just by being
stronger.

We must also strengthen the spastic muscle. It might seem that with all that
contracting a spastic muscle would be a strong muscle, but without the brain to
muscle connection a spastic muscle is actually a weak muscle. Utilizing
electrical stimulation or ice prior to strengthening a spastic muscle may be a
way to optimize your strengthening session.

Strengthening can happen any time a muscle is contracted, but depends on the
capability of the person doing the contracting. It has to be somewhat difficult.
The muscle has to fatigue. The person who does not have full active range of
motion, but is able to visibly contract a muscle is strengthening with each
repetition of movement.

Repetition of movement is a rehabilitation strategy not only for strengthening,
but plasticity. Intensive repetitive training or massed practice is the key to
neuroplasticity and improving the way the brain sends signals to the muscles.

INTENSIVE REPETITIVE TRAINING

Voluntary movement has the potential to maintain joint range of motion,
strengthen, and increase plasticity
[https://www.brainhq.com/brain-resources/brain-plasticity/what-is-brain-plasticity/]
. But it’s all about repetition. In a typical therapy session, you might expect
to do 20-30 repetitions of movement. You would be responsible for completing the
movements for each joint on a daily basis. This can become boring and the habit
slowly slips away.



The Neofect Smart Glove [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] and Smart Board
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board] fit right into the gap of what we know
therapeutically and what is actually happening on a day to day basis. The 
Neofect [https://www.neofect.com/us/] Smart Glove and Smart Board turn your home
program into a fun and motivating way to maintain range of motion, strengthen,
and optimize your functional outcomes.

Every person is unique and has a different rehabilitation journey. Neofect has
experienced occupational therapists to consult with to see what might work for
you.

If you've had a stroke and are looking for an effective solution for your
rehabilitation needs, please look into NEOFECT's line of Smart Rehabilitation
Solutions [https://www.neofect.com/en/pt-solution/].

To learn more, please call (866) 534-4989 or email contactus@neofect.com.

For more information on stasticity and stroke:
American Association of Neurosugical Surgeons - Spasticity
[https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spasticity]
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Spasticity
Information
Page
[https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Spasticity-Information-Page]
Cleveland Clinic - Spasticity
[https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14346-spasticity]

National Stroke Association - What is Stroke
[https://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-is-stroke/]
Mayo Clinic - Stroke Symptoms and Causes
[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113]
Stroke Association - About Stroke
[https://www.strokeassociation.org/en/about-stroke]

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.