Whether you're sitting up or lying down, proper body positioning will ease spasticity and improve your posture. For example, spastic arms have a tendency to curl up, but correct positioning can help prevent this. Balanced posture is more comfortable, reduces pain by avoiding pressure points, lowers the risk of contractures and prevents breathing problems.
Splinting joints to prevent contractures and improve movement in ones that are already contracted is another way to control spasticity. The limbs can be held in place with air splints or braces (orthoses). Casts are sometimes used as temporary braces to gradually stretch out a contractured limb. This method, called serial casting, involves applying a series of casts where each new one opens up the joint a little more than the last. Your medical team will decide whether any of these techniques are right for you.
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