Pediatric Rehabilitation: Spasticity Management

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Pediatric Rehabilitation Good Shepherd’s Pediatric Spasticity Management Program is designed to improve the quality of life of children who suffer from injuries or illness that cause spasticity or movement disorders. This unique program strives to maximize functionality and decrease pain while simultaneously managing the medical and psychosocial needs of both the child and family. The goal of the Good Shepherd Pediatric Spasticity Management Program is to enhance quality of life by offering options that address specific physical limitations.

At Good Shepherd, we created our Pediatric Spasticity Management Program with your child in mind: treatment and therapy is provided in a comfortable and safe outpatient setting. As with every Good Shepherd program, we use a multidisciplinary team approach to address the medical, physical, and behavioral needs of each of our patients.

Childhood injuries and conditions which may require spasticity management include spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, tumors, or stroke.

Spasticity Evaluation
Before entering Good Shepherd’s Pediatric Spasticity Management Program, each child is evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists which may include physicians (physiatrists, developmental pediatricians, and an orthopedic surgeon); nurses; and physical, occupational, and speech therapists.

During this initial evaluation, we try to identify any special needs or requirements the child might have. Since parents usually know their child best, we encourage parental input and participation during the initial evaluation (and throughout the program).

Spasticity Treatment
After a physical therapy assessment by a trained pediatric physical therapist, the team creates an optimal and individualized treatment plan for both the child and his/her family. Treatment options can include oral medications; physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy; casting or splinting; and Botox injections.

If necessary, treatment plans may include referrals to community orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons for surgical options including muscle releases and placement of intrathecal baclofen pumps. Good Shepherd will provide follow-up care, assess progress, and monitor medications and pump effectiveness.

For more information on the Good Shepherd Pediatric Spasticity Management Program, contact us today or call 1-888-44-REHAB (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).