Advanced Management of Pediatric Spasticity

Who We Serve

The AMPS Program supports children and teens whose mobility, posture and daily function are limited by spasticity or other types of hypertonicity.

Spasticity can vary widely in severity—from mild muscle stiffness to severe contractions that limit movement and, over time, can contribute to development of pain. Our team treats spasticity related to conditions such as:

• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic or acquired brain injury
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Genetic or neurological movement disorders

We know that muscle tightness and movement limitations can affect a child’s ability to perform daily activities and participate in their communities. Our goal is to give every child the opportunity to move freely and comfortably, and to maximize their level of independence and participation.

Collaborative, Comprehensive Services

Our AMPS Team brings together pediatric specialists from multiple disciplines to evaluate, plan and deliver advanced treatment.

The program combines the expertise of:

• Mary Free Bed rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists), medical assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, orthotists and engineers
• Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, medical assistants and nurse practitioners

What to Expect: Evaluation and Planning

Each child’s journey in the AMPS Program begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

• We’ll start with an assessment by a pediatric specialist, such as a physiatrist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, or orthopedic surgeon, who initiates the referral to the AMPS Program.
• Then, a physical therapy evaluation will assess gross motor skills and walking mechanics, as well as range of motion, muscle tone, strength, selective motor control and posture.

During the physical exam, we assess:

• The type, location and severity of spasticity
• Muscle strength and flexibility, including selective motor control and the presence of muscle or joint contractures or pain
• We’ll discuss your family’s goals for your child to improve their walking and functional motor skills.

After the evaluation, our team provides comprehensive treatment recommendations aimed at achieving measurable improvements in function and mobility. These recommendations are shared with your child’s care providers so you can work with them to develop a personalized care plan based on these recommendations.

Comprehensive Services and Interventions

Because spasticity presents differently for every child, the AMPS Team creates individualized treatment recommendations using the latest medical and therapeutic techniques.

Advanced medical interventions may include:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections are targeted injections to reduce spasticity and increase freedom of movement.
• Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical procedure that reduces spasticity by carefully cutting specific nerves.
• Intrathecal baclofen pump (ITB) is a device that delivers medication directly into the spinal canal to relax muscles and improve comfort.
• Orthopedic surgery can be discussed as needed. Our orthopedic partners perform surgeries to correct bone or muscle alignment and improve mobility.

Each intervention is discussed in a multidisciplinary team conference, ensuring comprehensive review and consensus.

Physical Therapy and Functional Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plays a vital role in helping children build strength, coordination and confidence.

Our Mary Free Bed Kids physical therapists are specialists in spasticity management and work one-on-one with each child to achieve meaningful improvements in daily function. Therapy focuses on:

• Improving walking, balance and endurance
• Strengthening muscles weakened by disuse
• Enhancing coordination and flexibility
• Supporting independence in self-care and play activities
• Maximizing comfort and preventing contractures

Our team uses play-based and goal-oriented exercises to make therapy both engaging and effective. The AMPS Team may also recommend specific interventions such as serial casting or functional electrical stimulation intervention to best support your child’s progress.

Advanced Assessment Tools

To deliver the highest level of precision in care, our program includes access to computerized gait analysis through a partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Motion Analysis Laboratory.

This high-tech evaluation measures how your child moves while walking, helping the team identify biomechanical challenges and refine the treatment plan. These data-driven insights support improved outcomes through tailored interventions.

Orthotic Support and Assistive Devices

Our specialists at Mary Free Bed Orthotics, Prosthetics + Bionics work closely with your family to design devices that promote safe movement and long-term musculoskeletal health.

Depending on your child’s needs, devices may include:

• Custom orthotics or braces for walking support
• Splints or positioning aids for muscle stretching and tone management
• Adaptive equipment for mobility and self-care

Our orthotists collaborate with physicians and therapists to ensure that each device fits comfortably, supports therapy goals and encourages participation in daily life.

Your Child’s Multidisciplinary Team

Our program combines the expertise of physicians, surgeons, therapists and orthotists—all dedicated to your child’s success.

At Mary Free Bed Kids, your child may be supported by:

• Pediatric physical therapists specializing in spasticity management, strengthening and functional mobility
• Pediatric physical therapists with advanced training in gait analysis and adaptive movement strategies
• Pediatric physiatrists, neurologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons
• Orthotists and assistive technology specialists

Together, this team ensures that your child’s care plan is coordinated, effective and designed for long-term progress.

Family Involvement and Education

We believe that families are essential members of the care team. You’ll receive hands-on training and education to understand your child’s condition and support their therapy plan at home.

This includes:

• Stretching and strengthening techniques
• Positioning and mobility strategies
• Home exercise routines

We’ll provide guidance on brace or device use. We aim to empower families with the tools and confidence to continue progress between clinic visits.

Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families trust Mary Free Bed Kids for our:

• Collaborative care model with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
• Pediatric specialists dedicated exclusively to children with spasticity
• Access to advanced therapies, technology and research
• Seamless coordination between medical, surgical and therapy teams
• Family-centered approach focused on empowerment and education

Our mission is to help children move better and feel better all while experiencing the joy of greater independence.

Begin Your Child’s Journey

If your child is living with spasticity related to cerebral palsy, brain injury or another condition, our Advanced Management of Pediatric Spasticity Team is here to help.

At Mary Free Bed Kids, we know every step forward is a victory—and we’re here to take that journey with you.