New trial program improves quality of life for people with spasticity

VANCOUVER – Through a new trial program at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, people with spasticity will have the opportunity to benefit from a team approach to treatment that could result in reduced pain, improved function, and a better quality of life.

The Interdisciplinary Spasticity Management Trial Service has opened thanks to a $108,000 grant from Allergan, an international specialty pharmaceutical company. The pilot program will bring together physiatrists (rehab physicians), nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists into a one-stop shop clinic that will operate once a week for the next two years.

“We are very excited to be trialling this new service that is accessible to people with spasticity throughout British Columbia,” said Dr. Heather Finlayson, a physiatrist at GF Strong Rehab Centre, who championed the creation of the service. “The Interdisciplinary Spasticity Management Trial Service has been designed to improve the delivery and access to care for patients with spasticity by providing all the recommended treatment options in one place.”

Spasticity is an involuntary increase in muscle tone that causes resistance to movement (muscle tightness). Spasticity may result from pediatric conditions such as cerebral palsy, or may be related to spinal cord injury, brain injury, tumour, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or motor neuron disease such as ALS. Without appropriate management, spasticity may cause pain, impaired limb function, difficulty walking, need for assistance with basic self-care, and reduced quality of life.

White Rock resident James Fee suffered an aneurysm and as a result, his right side became paralysed. He has been accessing services at GF Strong for the past two years. “This new one-stop shop service means that I won’t have to see a variety of healthcare professionals individually. Now I’m able to see everyone in one clinic,” said Fee. “My injuries used to run my life. I thought that it was a losing battle but I’m really pleased with the results.”

“Spasticity is a treatable condition. We are hoping that using a team approach to treatment will result in reduced patient dependence, reduced pain and reduced cost to the healthcare system,” added Finlayson.

Currently about 50 patients with spasticity are treated at GF Strong Rehab Centre each year, but it is estimated that hundreds more could potentially benefit from such programs.

People with spasticity can be referred to the Interdisciplinary Spasticity Management Trial Service through their physicians. At the end of the two-year trial, the benefits to patient health will be examined to measure the clinic’s effectiveness.  

For media enquiries, contact:

Vancouver Coastal Health

Tiffany Akins, Communications Leader

Email: tiffany.akins@vch.ca     Tel: 604-319-7530