{"id":588,"date":"2020-02-19T20:07:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T20:07:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maryfreebed.comservices\/advanced-management-of-pediatric-spasticity\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T16:27:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T16:27:02","slug":"advanced-management-of-pediatric-spasticity","status":"publish","type":"services","link":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/advanced-management-of-pediatric-spasticity\/","title":{"rendered":"Advanced Management of Pediatric Spasticity"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"tags":[],"modal_window":[16,405],"class_list":["post-588","services","type-services","status-publish","hentry","modal_window-kids-conditions-services","modal_window-kids-nav-conditions-and-services"],"acf":{"kids_branding":true,"title_override":"Advanced Management of Pediatric Spasticity","individual_page_toggle":true,"body_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content_right_and_image_left","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"image_fit":"cover","image_zoom":false,"image":106928,"text_holder":{"content_editor":"<h2>Understanding Spasticity<\/h2>\r\nSpasticity is a condition in which muscles are abnormally tight or stiff, making movement difficult. It often occurs when messages between the brain and muscles are disrupted\u2014 commonly related to conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury.\r\n\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, we understand that every child\u2019s experience with spasticity is unique. That\u2019s why we offer the Advanced Management of Pediatric Spasticity (AMPS) Program, a specialized partnership between Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Helen DeVos Children\u2019s Hospital.\r\n\r\nOur mission is to help each child achieve their maximum independence and comfort through coordinated, compassionate care.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2>Who We Serve<\/h2>\r\nThe AMPS Program supports children and teens whose mobility, posture and daily function are limited by spasticity or other types of hypertonicity.\r\n\r\nSpasticity can vary widely in severity\u2014from 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:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Cerebral palsy<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Traumatic or acquired brain injury<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Stroke<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Spinal cord injury<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Multiple sclerosis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Genetic or neurological movement disorders<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe know that muscle tightness and movement limitations can affect a child\u2019s 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.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Collaborative, Comprehensive Services<\/h2>\r\nOur AMPS Team brings together pediatric specialists from multiple disciplines to evaluate, plan and deliver advanced treatment.\r\n\r\nThe program combines the expertise of:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Mary Free Bed rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists), medical assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, orthotists and engineers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Helen DeVos Children\u2019s Hospital neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, medical assistants and nurse practitioners<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>What to Expect: Evaluation and Planning<\/h2>\r\nEach child\u2019s journey in the AMPS Program begins with a comprehensive evaluation.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>We\u2019ll 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.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>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.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nDuring the physical exam, we assess:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The type, location and severity of spasticity<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Muscle strength and flexibility, including selective motor control and the presence of muscle or joint contractures or pain<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We\u2019ll discuss your family\u2019s goals for your child to improve their walking and functional motor skills.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAfter the evaluation, our team provides comprehensive treatment recommendations aimed at achieving measurable improvements in function and mobility. These recommendations are shared with your child\u2019s care providers so you can work with them to develop a personalized care plan based on these recommendations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Comprehensive Services and Interventions<\/h2>\r\nBecause spasticity presents differently for every child, the AMPS Team creates individualized treatment recommendations using the latest medical and therapeutic techniques.\r\n\r\nAdvanced medical interventions may include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Botulinum toxin (Botox\u00ae) injections are targeted injections to reduce spasticity and increase freedom of movement.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical procedure that reduces spasticity by carefully cutting specific nerves.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Intrathecal baclofen pump (ITB) is a device that delivers medication directly into the spinal canal to relax muscles and improve comfort.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Orthopedic surgery can be discussed as needed. Our orthopedic partners perform surgeries to correct bone or muscle alignment and improve mobility.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEach intervention is discussed in a multidisciplinary team conference, ensuring comprehensive review and consensus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Physical Therapy and Functional Rehabilitation<\/h2>\r\nRehabilitation plays a vital role in helping children build strength, coordination and confidence.\r\n\r\nOur 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:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Improving walking, balance and endurance<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Strengthening muscles weakened by disuse<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Enhancing coordination and flexibility<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Supporting independence in self-care and play activities<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Maximizing comfort and preventing contractures<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur 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\u2019s progress.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Advanced Assessment Tools<\/h2>\r\nTo deliver the highest level of precision in care, our program includes access to computerized gait analysis through a partnership with Grand Valley State University\u2019s Motion Analysis Laboratory.\r\n\r\nThis 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.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Orthotic Support and Assistive Devices<\/h2>\r\nOur 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.\r\n\r\nDepending on your child\u2019s needs, devices may include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Custom orthotics or braces for walking support<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Splints or positioning aids for muscle stretching and tone management<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Adaptive equipment for mobility and self-care<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur orthotists collaborate with physicians and therapists to ensure that each device fits comfortably, supports therapy goals and encourages participation in daily life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Your Child's Multidisciplinary Team<\/h2>\r\nOur program combines the expertise of physicians, surgeons, therapists and orthotists\u2014all dedicated to your child\u2019s success.\r\n\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, your child may be supported by:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Pediatric<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/physical-therapist\/\"> physical therapists<\/a> specializing in spasticity management, strengthening and functional mobility<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Pediatric physical therapists with advanced training in gait analysis and adaptive movement strategies<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Pediatric<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/physiatrist\/\"> physiatrists<\/a>, neurologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/certified-orthotists-and-prosthetists\/\">Orthotists<\/a> and assistive technology specialists<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTogether, this team ensures that your child\u2019s care plan is coordinated, effective and designed for long-term progress.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Family Involvement and Education<\/h2>\r\nWe believe that families are essential members of the care team. You\u2019ll receive hands-on training and education to understand your child\u2019s condition and support their therapy plan at home.\r\n\r\nThis includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Stretching and strengthening techniques<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Positioning and mobility strategies<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Home exercise routines<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe\u2019ll provide guidance on brace or device use. We aim to empower families with the tools and confidence to continue progress between clinic visits.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids<\/h2>\r\nFamilies trust Mary Free Bed Kids for our:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Collaborative care model with Helen DeVos Children\u2019s Hospital<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Pediatric specialists dedicated exclusively to children with spasticity<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Access to advanced therapies, technology and research<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Seamless coordination between medical, surgical and therapy teams<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Family-centered approach focused on empowerment and education<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur mission is to help children move better and feel better all while experiencing the joy of greater independence.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Begin Your Child's Journey<\/h2>\r\nIf 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.\r\n\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, we know every step forward is a victory\u2014and we\u2019re here to take that journey with you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery columns=\"2\" size=\"medium\" ids=\"125094,125093\"]"}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services\/588","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/services"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=588"},{"taxonomy":"modal_window","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/modal_window?post=588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}