Massage Therapy for Ankle Mobility and Spasticity in an Adult with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of permanent neurologic disorders associated with injury to the brain during its development. The most common type of CP is spastic CP. Individuals with spastic CP commonly present with increased deep tendon reflexes, tremors, muscular hypertonicity, and weakness. Treatment aims to manage primary and secondary symptoms of CP and improve quality of life.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of massage therapy in increasing ankle mobility and decreasing spasticity in a patient with spastic CP.

Method: A student massage therapist at MacEwan University administered five massage therapy treatments over six weeks on a 55-year-old female with spastic diplegic CP. The treatment goals were to increase ankle mobility and decrease spasticity in the knee extensors that negatively impacted the patient’s ability to don socks and shoes. Progress was monitored using goniometry pre- and post-treatments to assess ankle mobility, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to assess spasticity. The MAS was administered before the third, fourth, fifth, and final sessions. Techniques included static contact, effleurage, broad compressions, petrissage, muscle stripping, Golgi tendon organ release, muscle approximation, joint mobilizations, and passive range of motion.

Results: Ankle mobility increased. Spasticity in the knee extensors decreased, but the change was not clinically significant.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that massage therapy may improve ankle mobility and decrease spasticity in a patient with spastic CP.

Faculty Mentors: Pamela Cushing & Jeff Moggach