Spasticity Program
Spasticity is a condition characterized by the tightening or stiffening of muscles that prevents normal smooth movement. When muscles remain contracted and resist stretching, movement, speech, and gait are all affected. Typically, spasticity is caused by damage to or disturbances in the regions of the brain and spinal cord that regulate muscle and stretch reflexes.
Symptoms of spasticity can range from mild muscle tightening or stiffness to severe, painful spasms. Joint pain or tightness is also frequently experienced by people with spasticity. Possible complications of spasticity can include chronic constipation, frozen joints, pressure sores, or urinary tract infections.
At Rusk Rehabilitation’s Spasticity Program, our physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors have extensive experience and specialized training in treating spasticity. We offer the most progressive treatments available, including injections of botulinum toxin, commonly known by its trade name, Botox; muscle relaxants, including implantable baclofen pump therapy; oral medications; and physical and occupational therapy. Our goal is to improve your symptoms, prevent complications, and whenever possible, return to you the functional use of your arms and legs.
Conditions We Treat
Our Spasticity Program team cares for people with spasticity associated with the following conditions:
Our Expert Team
Steven R. Flanagan, MD
Heidi N. Fusco, MD
Tiffany K. Wong, MD
Prin Amorapanth, MD, PhD
Yingrong Zhu, MD
Stanley Abrams, MD
Where to Find Us
Our team sees patients at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Center East 38th Street.