Hypotonia, Flaccidity, and Low Tone After Stroke

Hypotonia

Hypotonia is low muscle tone or flaccidity that can occur from a stroke. It most commonly occurs right after a stroke and usually subsides but can linger in some patients indefinitely. In this flaccid stage of stroke, one should be careful in positioning the limbs to prevent injury. If the arm is flaccid, it can be supported on a pillow, tray, or arm trough/armrest. The lower extremity can be supported with a wheelchair footrest to keep the foot from being dragged under the wheelchair.

Recommended treatment during the flaccid or hypotonic stage includes:

1. Positioning of the affected limbs as described above

2. Weight-bearing to the affected limbs – this can be done with assist from a helper. Weight bearing for the arm can be done on a mat, the side of the bed, a ball, a table, etc. Weight bearing to the leg will occur when transferring from bed to chair or when learning to transfer and stand with the therapist.

3. Passive range of motion in a pain-free zone – this means either having a helper move the affected extremities or using the strong arm to move the weak or paralyzed arm. See stroke-rehab.com/passive-range-of-motion.html to learn how to perform these type of exercises.

4. Relearning sitting balance with assistance from helper – learning to sit up using hands to help stabilize, then sitting up without hands, shifting weight side to side and forward/back

5. Muscle facilitation – (tapping, electrical stimulation, quick stretch)

6. Attempting movement with the affected extremities including activites like:

Trying to slide the arm across a table with a towel

Placing the hand on a ball and trying to roll the ball forward/back or side to side

Placing the hand on a cane with assist from a helper for grasp and then trying to push and pull the cane

Trying to slide the leg on a mat or bed when lying down

Trying to straighten the leg when sitting in a chair (or slide the foot on a towel on the floor)

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Home Stroke Rehab Blog Ask the Therapist LEARN ABOUT STROKE Stroke Prevention Types of Stroke Effects of Stroke Stroke Treatment Rehab Facilities Neuroplasticity STROKE REHAB EXERCISES Rehab Exercises Passive ROM Exercises Arm Strengthening Hand Exercises Balance Exercises Sensory Re-education Eye Exercises EQUIPMENT Home Exercise Equipment Adaptive Equipment Adaptive Clothing RESOURCES & CAREGIVER INFO Info for Caregivers Stroke Resources Support Groups Stroke News CONTACT Contact Me [?]Subscribe To This Site	Hypotonia Hypotonia is low muscle tone or flaccidity that can occur from a stroke. It most commonly occurs right after a stroke and usually subsides but can linger in some patients indefinitely. In this flaccid stage of stroke, one should be careful in positioning the limbs to prevent injury. If the arm is flaccid, it can be supported on a pillow, tray, or arm trough/armrest. The lower extremity can be supported with a wheelchair footrest to keep the foot from being dragged under the wheelchair. Recommended treatment during the flaccid or hypotonic stage includes: 1. Positioning of the affected limbs as described above 2. Weight-bearing to the affected limbs – this can be done with assist from a helper. Weight bearing for the arm can be done on a mat, the side of the bed, a ball, a table, etc. Weight bearing to the leg will occur when transferring from bed to chair or when learning to transfer and stand with the therapist. 3. Passive range of motion in a pain-free zone – this means either having a helper move the affected extremities or using the strong arm to move the weak or paralyzed arm. See stroke-rehab.com/passive-range-of-motion.html to learn how to perform these type of exercises. 4. Relearning sitting balance with assistance from helper – learning to sit up using hands to help stabilize, then sitting up without hands, shifting weight side to side and forward/back 5. Muscle facilitation – (tapping, electrical stimulation, quick stretch) 6. Attempting movement with the affected extremities including activites like: Trying to slide the arm across a table with a towel Placing the hand on a ball and trying to roll the ball forward/back or side to side Placing the hand on a cane with assist from a helper for grasp and then trying to push and pull the cane Trying to slide the leg on a mat or bed when lying down Trying to straighten the leg when sitting in a chair (or slide the foot on a towel on the floor) Return from hypotonia to stroke rehab homepage Return to Effects of Stroke Click Here for Disclaimer and Privacy Policy Copyright © 2010 Stroke-Rehab.com SBI!	Search this website: Loading Get your stroke rehab questions answered by a therapist! Click Here Share your stroke treatment or exercise recommendation. Click Here Share your stroke survival story. Click Here