Stretching Spastic Muscles: 8 Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Stretching Mistakes in Stroke Recovery

Why Your Stretching Might Be Making Spasticity Worse

If you’re dealing with spasticity after a neurologic injury, stretching might not be as straightforward as it seems. In fact, doing it the wrong way can increase resistance, worsen symptoms, and set your progress back.

Spasticity vs. Tightness: Know the Difference

One of the most common misconceptions is treating spasticity like muscle tightness. Spasticity is an involuntary muscle contraction due to a loss of connection with parts of the brain that help to inhibit overactive movements. While a tight muscle simply needs lengthening, a spastic muscle resists lengthening and often contracts more with speed or stimulation. That’s why standard stretching techniques don’t always work.

The 8 Stretching Mistakes to Avoid

1. Prolonged Holds Without Movement
   Long static holds may help tight muscles but not spastic ones. Instead, incorporate slow, rhythmic movements to help desensitize the muscle.
2. Stretching Too Fast
   Spasticity is velocity-dependent, which means the faster you stretch, the worse it gets. Go slow, always.
3. Only Stretching Once a Day
   Even 30 minutes of stretching isn’t enough if the muscle contracts involuntarily the rest of the day. Wearing a properly fitted splint can help maintain gains. Most off-the-shelf splints aren’t strong enough to resist spastic contractions. Use one designed for neurologic conditions, or you can order our Rehab HQ hand brace.
4. Stretching in the Wrong Position
   Stretching in unsupported or upright positions may trigger more resistance. Support the arm or lie down to reduce stimulation.
5. High-Stimulation Environments
   Noisy, bright, or stressful environments increase spasticity. Do your stretching in a calm, quiet, low-stimulation space.
6. Lack of Active Engagement
   Combine passive stretches with active-assisted or antagonist muscle activation to promote balance and relaxation.
7. Skipping Weight-Bearing Stretches
   Weight-bearing (e.g., standing calf stretches or resting your forearm on a table) can reduce spasticity more effectively than sitting.
8. Engage Your Brain
   Don’t mentally check out. Engaging your brain during stretching by mentally focusing on relaxing the muscle can help with inhibition and improve results over time.

Final Thoughts

Stretching spastic muscles requires more than just time and effort, it demands the right strategy. By avoiding these common mistakes and using techniques tailored for spasticity, you can reduce resistance, improve muscle control, and make your stretching routine more effective.

Consistency, proper positioning, and staying mentally engaged are key. With the right tools and guidance, you can take meaningful steps toward better mobility and recovery.

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