Treating Hypertonia in children

[Tom&Jerry!]

Curious as to whether or not anyone has treated hypertonia in young children with any success.

My thoughts are to try cranio-sacral therapy, myofascial release, and general massage with passive stretching (if possible).

Any other thoughts or experiences to share?

 

[_Hill_]

Treating Hypertonia in children

I spent just a short time on a brief review of the research on adolescent hypertonia, and was unable to find any studies indicating successful treatment of hypertonia with manual therapies. However, you might be successful in a more detailed review of the literature. I also suggest reading studies that do not necessarily present manual therapies, as they may contain information about the condition that will help you develop a novel manual therapy approach of your own to try.

I do recall seeing a study 4 years ago that described the use of petrissage for spasticity. The conclusions indicated that petrissage is helpful in temporarily reducing the level of tonicity; I have passed this information along to some clients, as it is simple enough for patients and their caregivers to do at home.

 

[felix]

Treating Hypertonia in children

Interesting points, thanks...
and I certainly see the value in petrissage - even if just to maintain muscle "health".

My thought was to take a two-pronged approach... Cranio-Sacral to treat the central nervous system, and from what I have read there MAY be (I will check) some issues with the frontal bone (sensory and motor areas of brain - since there is a spastic cerebral palsy "diagnosis"). And concurrently to do some manual therapy/myofascial release/unwinding with affected limbs. I don't expect miracles - but I am open to explore.

My main purpose for seeing this client at all was to work with Mom to show her some things that she can do herself.
My own child did not have challenges of this magnitude - but I clearly remember how it felt to go from doctor to specialists and still get no answers and no help. It's frustrating...and Mom needs to feel more empowered and confident.

 

[Shannon (: 8.21.09]

Treating Hypertonia in children

I have a friend who has massaged a CP client for many years. She mentioned that although the hypertonia doesn't go away, the child does seem to get some relief and a good amount of "calming".