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Oxford Centre for Enablement (OCE)

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Oxford Spasticity Service

Spasticity is the term used to describe involuntary muscle tightness that often occurs after neurological injuries or in the context of central nervous system illness.

For example, it can occur in up to 50 percent of patients who have suffered from a stroke.

It can be associated with pain, disability and reduction in quality of life. However, effective treatments are available.

The multidisciplinary Oxford Spasticity Service at the OCE is a long-established centre of excellence led by a team of experienced consultants and registrars in rehabilitation medicine, and specialist neurophysiotherapists working alongside a plastic surgeon, neurosurgeon and orthopaedic surgeons.

Interventions and treatments are holistic and tailored to the individual needs and goals of patients.

They may include the following.

  • Guidance and recommendations on rehabilitation approaches; stretching and splinting, including consideration of referral for specialist physiotherapy, occupational therapy or orthotics.
  • Diagnostic nerve blocks using local anaesthetic to help guide treatment selection.
  • Referral for 3D Gait Analysis or upper limb movement analysis at Oxford Gait Laboratory (Gait Lab).
  • Ultrasound guided injection of botulinum toxin into specific muscles affected by spasticity.
  • Nerve treatments such as radiofrequency ablation or cryoneurolysis.
  • Oral anti-spasticity medications.
  • Consideration of surgical interventions such as intrathecal baclofen, hyperselective neurectomy or tendon lengthening.

Referrals

Oxford Spasticity Service accepts GP referrals from anywhere in the UK.

For queries, including queries about our new cryoneurolysis service, please email: ouh.oceadmin@nhs.net

Last reviewed:09 January 2024