It can make simple activities of daily living time consuming, difficult or impossible for an individual to do alone, placing great demands on a caregiver and the individual. An individual's ability to socialize and enjoy hobbies and recreational activities can be limited. Treating spasticity can decrease health care costs, increase functional ability, and lessen care required. Overall quality of life for the individual and the family is greatly improved because of treatment. Because it is not always possible to eliminate spasticity, the goal of treatment is to reduce spasticity.
Spasticity is different in each individual affected, and treatment goals depend on the individual.
Reduced spasticity may allow some individuals to walk more smoothly, some to sit more comfortably or others to be cared for more easily. These are just examples, and each individual may experience different rewards from the spasticity treatment. There are a number of treatment options available for spasticity. Some treatments are more appropriate for certain individuals with spasticity than others. It is important for the individual, family and health care team to agree upon realistic treatment goals so that the health care team can recommend the treatment most likely to achieve those goals.