The Effects of Astym Therapy® on a Child With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. Issue 10 (12th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Mandi M; Ray, Jessica M; Van Zant, R Scott
• Is Part Of: Clinical medicine insights. Issue 10(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-12-12
• Subjects: Cerebral palsy -- Astym therapy -- instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization; Clinical medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Medicine; Clinical medicine; Electronic journals; Case Reports; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.09
• DOI: 10.1177/1179547617746992
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1179-5476

Abstract

Purpose: Limited research exists regarding use of Astym® therapy with neurologic conditions. The purpose of this case was to describe using Astym therapy in treating spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Case description: A 6-year-old female was treated more than 9 months (36 sessions) for decreased flexibility, muscle weakness, spasticity, and abnormal gait. Examination findings: Gait performed with articulated ankle-foot orthoses (75% of the time) or foot orthosis (25%); lack of active dorsiflexion (DF); lack of heel strike during gait; spasticity in hamstrings, gastrocnemius, hip adductors; hamstring flexibility (90/90 test position) 50° right and 60° left; gastrocnemius flexibility neutral bilaterally; and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, second edition (PDMS-2) age equivalence (in months) 23 locomotion, 25 object manipulation, and 21 stationary tasks. Therapeutic interventions included Astym therapy, stretching, strengthening, neuromuscular reeducation, and gait training. Outcomes: At 6 months, flexibility improved bilaterally to 10° past neutral in gastrocnemius and 0° in hamstrings. The PDMS-2 age equivalence scores were 27 locomotion, 32 object manipulation, and 28 stationary tasks. At discharge, patient ambulated full-time with foot orthosis, exhibiting improved stride length bilaterally with active ankle DF to initiate heel strike. Spasticity was unchanged. Discussion: Astym therapy was effective in treating a child with spastic diplegic CP, resulting in enhanced strength, flexibility, and gait.