Stretching and Strengthening
A physical therapist or physician is likely to demonstrate
and prescribe exercises to stretch muscles and increase flexibility. Various
types of strengthening exercises may be recommended to build up underused
muscles and prevent weakening of the bones.
A physician or therapist may use certain equipment to
activate the muscles. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may stimulate
and strengthen the antagonist muscles (which oppose the dystonia spasm) while
the overly active agonist muscles (which cause the dystonia spasm) are relaxed
with botulinum toxin. Biofeedback involves using surface electrodes to identify
and relax overly active muscles and to increase control and activation of the
passive muscles.
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