09/12/2025
Tone & Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy: what it means and why it matters 💚
Muscle tone is the background level of tension in our muscles. It helps us stay upright, move smoothly, and respond to gravity.
Spasticity happens when messages from the brain aren’t well balanced. Muscles may fire when they shouldn’t, or too strongly, leading to stiffness and difficulty relaxing.
In children with Cerebral Palsy, this can affect:
• How much a muscle activates
• How quickly it relaxes
• How well opposing muscles work together
This can look like:
• Tip-toe walking
• Stiff legs or sc******ng
• Bent elbows or fi**ed hands
• Difficulty with balance, smooth movement, or fine motor tasks
Why managing tone and spasticity matters
Supporting tone management can:
✔ Improve comfort
✔ Reduce pain and risk of contractures
✔ Support smoother, more efficient movement
✔ Improve participation in everyday activities
✔ Protect joint health long-term
What can help?
• Play-based physiotherapy
• Stretching and positioning
• Strengthening
• Splints or orthotics
• Medical management (such as Botox, when appropriate)
• Equipment to support alignment
Every child is different, and tone management works best when it’s individualised and goal-focused. If you’d like support or have questions about your child’s movement, we’re here to help 💫
