Spasticity in the affected arm and leg, that is, tightening in the bent position,
is a problem for many people after a stroke. This can be brought on by effort,
anxiety and fatigue. It is often worse at the end of the day.
Spasm can be prevented to some extent by good positioning of the arm and
leg, and also by becoming aware of the effect of activity on muscle tone, that is,
recognising when an activity is increasing muscle tone and stopping doing it
before the limb goes into spasm. It is also possible to break spasm in the affected
arm with the help of the good hand. A physiotherapist will teach the patient and
family how this can be done. If muscle spasm is not prevented the limbs will
eventually become tight and deformed.