Conditions Treated
HEREDITARY SPASTIC PARESIS
Hereditary Spastic Paresis (HSP) is a group of inherited neurological disorders characterized by lower limb spasticity, increased muscle stiffness and weakness, commonly in both legs. With over 80 different genetic types of this condition, the severity, progression, and types of symptoms vary from person to person with differences in even in those with the same genetic type. In some patients, additional symptoms can occur including difficulty coordinating movement (ataxia), balance difficulties, visual changes and in some cases changes in speech, mild upper limb weakness or thinking abilities. While it is unfortunate there is no cure for these conditions, physiotherapy input in HSP is recommended to increase physical activity levels, self-manage your symptoms of pain or fatigue, and support your functional mobility as it transitions over time.
What We Offer
At Neurological Rehabilitation Group, our therapists will provide you with a comprehensive assessment focusing on your movement patterns particularly of your lower limbs, muscle spasticity, presence of contractures or reduced joint range and strength. They will assess your mobility level which may include looking at your walking quality, balance, or coordination. Our therapists want to understand what tasks you may be finding difficult and find a solution to address that problem.
This may include:
Education to facilitate a greater understanding of the health and secondary complications of HSP
Hands on facilitation techniques to improve your ability to activate your muscles or achieve better movement patterns
Balance retraining, in some cases this may include floor transfers practice in the event of a fall or exploring falls prevention strategies in your environment
Mobility practice including exploring new functional skills such as transfer, standing, gait training, stair climbing or sporting skill practice
Carer training to facilitate skill practice, identification of implementation barriers, equipment advice and positioning guidelines for home
Equipment recommendations including orthoses or gait aids which may require referral to your local or our specialty orthotic clinic
Review and prescribe wheelchair, seating systems or equipment (for more information see our posture and seating clinic)
Develop a tailored program including stretching, strengthening and cardiovascular training to complete at home, your local gym or in clinic using our wide range of equipment. This may include gym programs within your local community with one of our exercise physiologists
Off-site hydrotherapy
Group exercise classes for general fitness or balance
With spasticity being a prominent feature in HSP, out therapists can also assist you in spasticity management (see our spasticity clinic for more information)
Our therapists can refer or liaise with health professionals involved in your care including your medical team, speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietitians, or neuropsychologists. They will also liaise with your appropriate funding bodies to support your needs.
For more information:
