I get asked pretty frequently about this very topic. While I cannot provide you with a definite answer, I can help you work this out for you to make the best decision. If you have a child with special needs that has spasticity and tightness, you are most likely very familiar with botox injections. For those of you who aren’t, here is a little background…..
Botox is a drug that is injected into hypertonic and spastic muscles to weaken the signal by blocking the connections between the nerves and the muscles. It is typically said to last 3-6 months if it has an effect on your child.
While reducing spasticity and high tone can be great, there are always other factors to look at. Sometimes when a person has lived with this high tone for longer periods of time, whether it be from birth or after an accident/stroke, they actually learn to use the high tone to benefit them functionally. For example, a child who has difficulty rolling from their back to their belly can use the high tone in their arm muscles to assist in the functional movement…in this case, rolling. If this same child was to get botox injections in these arm movements, the weakness of those muscles is evident and now will have difficulty performing that task because their muscles are not strong enough to perform the same task.
Now, this is absolutely not always the case…but it can be. After botox injections, it is very important that they have a routine in place for stretching and strengthening to be able to prolong the effects of the botox. But…like I said earlier, the effects do not last long term. It can however be extremely beneficial if that child now is able to gain range of motion or strength in those muscles after injections.
Let me say this…every single person is different. Issues or problems associated with the neurological system are never exactly the same and while it may work for some, it may not work for others.
Short term answer:
Botox may work for your child. Again, effects typically last 3-6 months at a time if your child has a positive response. If you are interested in this route for your loved one, it is always best to get more than one doctor’s opinion before trying any new drugs
Long term answer:
Try an alternative therapy. These therapy options help your child reduce tone and strengthen in a natural way without adding more medications and injecting your child with something that may or may not work.
x companies themselves have said that botox should not replace any existing physical therapy routine. As with any drug given, there are side effects and risks taken. There are ways to help reduce tone and strengthen naturally without having injections or adding another medication to the list. If you are interested in finding out more:
Also, if you are looking for some support...some parents who know what your life if like day to day...a safe place to ask questions and learn...check out our Support Group for Special Needs Parents.
We meet monthly. Every month is a different topic, whether it’s a presenter or just a discussion...it is a network of the most amazing parents all looking for a little support and more information on resources within the area.
Tell us what you’d like to hear more about!
If you have any questions about your situation specifically, feel free to send us an email at: christine@breakthroughptli.com or give us a call at 631-348-0959. I’ll be sure to help in any and every way I can!
- Christine 🙂
She discovered her passion for the neurologic pediatric and adult population during her clinical affiliation at a special services school in Cape May, New Jersey. She is an active member of the APTA and continues to take post-graduate course work related to treatment methods for neurological diagnoses.
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