Hi,
I was wondering if there is anyone who has explored the upper limb program through the Austin hospital in VIC? I’ve read they provide surgical options for people suffering from hand spasticity.
thanks
Hello Troy,
Thanks for posting. I’m also curious to hear if anyone has used this service.
Are you looking for yourself? If so, have you been to a spasticity clinic or are you looking for more general upper limb rehab programs? I would suggest getting a referral from your GP to attend one. In this type of clinic, a team of health professionals, usually a rehab physician or neurologist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist can assess your hand for the most appropriate treatment option. There are a few less invasive options you could try for spasticity in the hand. Some treatment options listed in our clinical guidelines for spasticity are Botox and exercise, and adjunct therapies such as electrical stimulation. These could all be explored in the spasticity clinic.
Surgery is usually a last resort for complication management if all these options have been attempted. It doesn’t feature in our current clinical guidelines for stroke management. Have a chat with a spasticity clinic team to find out what would be the most suitable options for you.
Here are some resources about spasticity:
Muscle spasticity after stroke factsheet
Feel free to call StrokeLine to chat more about spasticity or rehabilitation options on 1800 787 653 (Mon -Fri 9am-5pm AEDST) or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au
With kind regards,
Kath (StrokeLine)
Troy in 2014 here in Launceston I.was lucky to be involved in a special group called “Modified Constrained Induced Therapy Group 40 hours of therapy, very hard work, fun as well. Due to fatigue I missed 1day. I completed 36hours with over 17,900 repetitions of exercises. We all wore a oven mitt on working hand . The end result for me. My left hand worked again and still does. I learned to use a knife and fork. I tend to use.a fork and spoon. With rehab my arms and hands are strong. Really worthwhile considering as it has given me my life back. Enormous numbers in manpower were required to run the group. I wish you well. jENNY
Troy I forgot to mention that the hospital loaned us a small Tens stimulater that my husband set up over the back of my hand twice a day. That helped greatly with movement. During my 3months in hospital physios used a similar machine on my shoulder as they were concerned about that joint falling. Shoulder works well. JENNY