Hypertonia refers to an increased baseline tension in the muscles and frequently occurs in connection with genetic or neurological conditions. It is not a standalone diagnosis but a symptom that can vary in severity depending on the underlying condition, significantly affecting movement, posture, and motor development.
Persistently elevated muscle tone affects mobility, coordination, and everyday functioning.
- Restricted mobility: Arms, legs, and joints can only be moved within a limited range due to constant muscle tension, making everyday movements considerably more difficult.
- Stiff posture or uncoordinated movements: Elevated tone prevents fluid movement patterns and leads to a rigid body posture or uncontrolled movement sequences.
- Rapid fatigue: Continuously tensed muscles consume energy at a constant rate, leading to quick exhaustion and limited endurance.
- Misalignments and contractures: Persistently high muscle tone promotes the development of joint misalignments and contractures that can become permanent without treatment.
Early identification and targeted care are essential to prevent secondary damage and support motor development as effectively as possible.
Orthopedic Care for Hypertonia
Individually adapted orthopedic aids directly counteract elevated muscle tone and support movement, posture, and development.
- Regulating muscle tone and preventing misalignments: Orthoses position joints and limbs in a physiological alignment and counteract the development of contractures and deformities.
- Facilitating movement: Precisely fitted aids reduce resistance caused by elevated muscle tone and enable more controlled, fluid movement in everyday life.
- Providing stability and safety: Targeted care stabilizes the body and gives patients greater confidence when standing, walking, and moving around.
- Supporting motor development: Early provision of aids creates the conditions for children to learn movement patterns and reach motor milestones.