SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Neurofascial Approach to Post-Stroke Spasticity: A New Frontier to Rehabilitation

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This poster describes a neuro-fascial release approach as a potential treatment for post-stroke spasticity and contractures. Stroke can disrupt communication between the brain and muscles, leading to increased muscle tone, reduced range of motion, and painful stiffness. The authors suggest that fascia, which contains autonomic adrenergic fibers and mechanoreceptors, may respond to therapeutic touch through parasympathetic effects that reduce tissue viscosity, improve local blood flow, and lower muscle tone.<br /><br />The case involved a 48-year-old woman who developed a right hemispheric ischemic stroke after surgical clipping of a right cerebral artery aneurysm. As a result, she had left-sided hemiparesis, sensory loss, spasticity, and wheelchair dependence. Despite compliance with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and two Botox injections, she reached a plateau after eight months, with persistent contractures and reduced sensation in the left upper and lower extremities.<br /><br />A neuromuscular medicine team used neuro-fascial release, a palpation-based technique in which one hand monitors fascial strain while the other applies touch in the direction that softens abnormal tension. After two treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart, alongside standard therapy, the patient showed significant improvement. Her Modified Ashworth Scale score improved from 4 to 2, and light touch, proprioception, and vibration sensation in the left arm returned to baseline. Some contracture reversal was also noted.<br /><br />The authors conclude that neuro-fascial release may help activate connective tissue receptors, trigger neuromuscular reflexes, and produce rapid viscoelastic changes that reduce spasticity. They argue that such approaches could improve rehabilitation outcomes, reduce caregiver burden, and address unmet needs in post-stroke recovery.

Asset Subtitle

Jenny Song

Meta Tag

Author List Jenny Song, Marcie Merson, Michael Waddington, Yogesh Gujrati

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Stroke

Concept Spasticity

Concept Contracture

Concept Range of Motion

Concept Neuro-fascial Release

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester CT

Presenting Author Jenny Song

Track Adult

Keywords

neuro-fascial release

post-stroke spasticity

contractures

stroke rehabilitation

fascia

parasympathetic effects

Modified Ashworth Scale

hemiparesis

therapeutic touch

neuromuscular medicine

Stroke

Spasticity

Contracture

Range of Motion

Neuro-fascial Release