<div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="ca280a9c-2d2f-4a99-8699-072b726cd23e"><p>Muscles that feel tight, heavy or hard to control are common after a stroke. For some people, an arm curls in without warning. For others, a leg stiffens during a walk or a transfer. It can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes uncomfortable, and it can make everyday tasks take far more effort than they used to. </p><p>This stiffness often has a name: spasticity. It happens when the brain’s messages to the muscles are disrupted, so some muscles stay overactive. Understanding it is a helpful first step, for stroke survivors and for the carers who support them.</p><p>The Stroke Foundation reports that around <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://strokefoundation.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/2026/03/stroke-foundation-welcomes-release-of-national-strategic-framework-for-chronic-conditions">46,000 stroke events</a> occur in Australia every year, so many families are working through recovery. An Australian Government application to the Medical Services Advisory Committee notes that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.msac.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-01/1817_-_pico_set_incobotulinumtoxina.docx">about 25 to 40 per cent of stroke survivors develop spasticity</a>, usually within three to six months, though it can appear earlier. Good <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/stroke-rehabilitation-recovery/">stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy</a> looks at how your muscles are working as part of a wider recovery plan, not as a single symptom on its own.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="c79f966c-eedc-437d-b536-3f79fcb066fb"><h3>What Does Spasticity Care Involve?</h3></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="3aabb80b-cefd-4ab7-a13b-437a254c18a2"><p>Spasticity looks different for everyone, so care starts with an assessment of how your muscles move, where the stiffness shows up and what it gets in the way of. From there, a plan is built around goals that matter to you, such as getting dressed more easily, walking more comfortably or using your hand for daily tasks. </p><p>The research is still developing. An <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/neurorehabilitation/nre220275">umbrella review of physical therapy for post-stroke spasticity</a> found no high-quality evidence, but did find moderate-quality evidence for some approaches, including resistance training. Its authors suggested prioritising active strategies over passive ones. A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10813883/">systematic review of nine trials</a> reported that resistance training was as good as, or better than, comparison therapies for spasticity, strength, gait and balance. The authors also cautioned that the programs studied varied a lot, so results should be read with care. </p><p>In practice, a plan may include: </p><ul><li><p>Guided strengthening and movement exercises matched to your current ability </p></li><li><p>Walking and balance practice</p></li><li><p>Stretching and positioning strategies for everyday life </p></li><li><p>Simple routines that you and your carers can follow at home </p></li><li><p>Clear communication with your GP or rehabilitation doctor, who can talk through medical options</p></li></ul></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="f2642deb-a2fc-4768-a819-853e63d87676"><h3>A Team Approach to Stroke Recovery</h3></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="f6fafa37-53d6-41da-a1bc-2c6d26d37f03"><p>Spasticity rarely has a single answer. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/physiotherapy/">Physiotherapy</a> focuses on assessing movement and muscle tone, and on practising walking, balance and mobility. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/exercise-physiology/">Exercise physiology</a> builds strength, fitness and confidence through structured exercise that is tailored to you and adjusted as your needs change. When these services work alongside your doctor and other health professionals, each part of your plan supports the same goals.</p><p>Not sure where to start? Call our friendly team on 1300 090 931 or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/contact-us/">contact us</a> to talk through your situation.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="c34a0927-c894-4d53-8292-a9e5555c5f8b"><h3>How to Choose Melton Physiotherapy for Stroke Recovery</h3></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="6d7c04d4-3951-4e27-af16-3a916510ac34"><p>If you are comparing <strong>Melton physiotherapy</strong> options, these questions can help: </p><ul><li><p>Do they have experience supporting neurological conditions such as stroke? </p></li><li><p>Will they set goals with you and your family, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all plan? </p></li><li><p>Do the physiotherapists and exercise physiologists share your progress with each other? </p></li><li><p>Will they show you and your carers exercises that are safe to practise at home? </p></li></ul><p>You can learn more about our local team and services at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/melton/">Healthstin Melton</a>. If you are an NDIS participant, your plan and your support coordinator can help you work out which supports apply to you.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="3559f02a-e3a5-45b3-8036-47de22dc4f98"><h3>Moving Forward at Your Own Pace</h3></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="df77772f-c4cf-47f5-ab5c-4a3b1bcb18a3"><p>Spasticity can be challenging, but you do not have to work it out alone. A clear assessment, goals that fit your life and a team that communicates well are the foundations of good <strong>stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy</strong>. Every recovery is different, and results vary from person to person. This article is general information, not personal medical advice. </p><p>Ready to talk it through? Book a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/free-consultation-qualifying-page/">free 30-minute consultation</a> to discuss your goals, or send us your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/referral-form/">referral form</a> to get started with Healthstin Melton.</p></div>