RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Physical Therapist Management of Stiff Person Syndrome in a 24-Year-Old Woman
JF Physical Therapy
JO Phys Ther
FD American Physical Therapy Association
SP 1403
OP 1411
DO 10.2522/ptj.20100303
VO 91
IS 9
A1 Hegyi, Christopher A.
YR 2011
UL http://jcore-reference.highwire.org/content/91/9/1403.abstract
AB Background and Purpose Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by stiffness and painful spasms primarily in the trunk and lower extremities. The role of physical therapy in the management of this disorder is disputed and the efficacy of specific interventions is unknown. Case Description The patient was a 24-year-old woman with a 1-year history of stiff person syndrome who received outpatient physical therapy over the course of 15 weeks. She had pain, muscle spasms, gait anomalies, and range-of-motion deficits, which affected her left lower extremity. Physical therapy interventions consisted of ultrasound, soft tissue mobilizations, manual stretching, and exercise. She also was fitted for a custom-made ankle-foot orthosis. Outcome This patient showed decreased pain and muscle spasms, as well as improvements in gait and range of motion. Discussion Stiffness and spasms interfere with the ability of these patients to fully mobilize affected joints, and they are at risk of developing further complications. Physical therapy may have a role in the management of this disease, as these patients need to be taught how to properly stretch and maintain joint mobility as a lifelong commitment.