University Orthopedics launches Comprehensive Spasticity Management Clinic

Providing much-needed relief to patients with spasticity resulting from stroke, neurologic conditions

With the formation of its Comprehensive Spasticity Management Clinic, University Orthopedics today announced it is now able to offer a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to spasticity treatment that is unique in Rhode Island and Greater Boston.

The clinic is led by Dr. Zachary Bohart – a board-certified physiatrist and an expert in spasticity management.

“Timely treatment for spasticity really can help improve a patient’s quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous shortage of doctors treating this debilitating condition in our area,” Dr. Bohart said. “We believe that the Comprehensive Spasticity Management Clinic will help more patients find relief from their symptoms without having to travel far from home.”

Spasticity – which can be the result of stroke, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions – causes certain muscles to contract involuntarily. The resulting stiffness can impede voluntary movement, making everyday tasks like self-care, physical therapy, and even sleep, difficult.

The Comprehensive Spasticity Management Clinic at University Orthopedics offers three of today’s most effective treatments for spasticity:

• Botox injection therapy
• Phenol nerve-block injection therapy
• Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump placement and therapy

“When given early, before contracture sets in, injection therapy can ease symptoms and help patients better participate in physical and occupational therapy to gain strength, flexibility, and the ability to work on everyday self-care skills,” Dr. Bohart said.

While the causes vary, UOI’s Spasticity Management Clinic most often treats spasticity that is the result of:

• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Brain Injury
• Cerebral Palsy

Additional effective, non-surgical treatment options the clinic offers include:

• Exercise programs
• Pharmacological management
• Bracing and splinting
• Therapeutic heat, cold, and electrical stimulation

When injection treatment isn’t appropriate and surgical treatment may be warranted, Dr. Bohart’s team works closely with their surgical colleagues at University Orthopedics to help find the best, least invasive solution, to maximize a patient’s comfort and functioning.

About University Orthopedics

University Orthopedics (UOI, universityorthopedics.com) is a regional center for orthopedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. With clinic locations in Rhode Island (Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Johnston, Middletown, Newport, North Providence, Portsmouth, Providence, and Westerly) and Massachusetts (Mansfield, North Easton, Plymouth, and Raynham), UOI includes more than 65 board-certified orthopedic, fellowship-trained musculoskeletal, and sports medicine physicians. These specialists are faculty members of the Department of Orthopaedics at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, teaching medical students, orthopedic residents, and fellowship sub-specialty surgeons.