Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia - Neuro Therapy For HSP

Although there isn’t currently a cure for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, there are treatments and therapies to help manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life.

PhysioFunction’s highly experienced neurological physiotherapists, rehabilitation therapists, sports therapists and personal trainers are able to deliver tailored physiotherapy and exercise programs for clients who have HSP.

Some examples of the therapy you may receive includes:

Neurological Physiotherapy to help improve movement patterns and maintain functional ability
Spasticity management to reduce stiffness and spasms through soft tissue massage techniques and stretching
PFit exercise Rehabilitation Functional strength and resistance training in our PFit studio with expertise from our Sports and Exercise Therapists and Personal trainers.
Functional Electrical Stimulation on cycle or cross trainer to improve strength and endurance, cardiovascular health, co-ordination of muscle activity and help manage spasticity
Hydrotherapy/Aquatic Physiotherapy to reduce spasticity, allow freedom of movement in water, improving strength and endurance.
Assessment of specialist orthotics or FES devices such asTurbomed or Bioness GO to assist with Drop Foot
Balance and Coordination Training to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls

Pain management with musculoskeletal therapy - Acupuncture, electrotherapy, manual therapy, taping.
Gait and balance training using Litegait, GMove, AlterG and Balance Trainer
Cardiovascular Fitness training incorporating fatigue management
Group exercise- We are also able to offer group exercise with our multi-level Neurofit classes which are delivered via Zoom following assessment from one of our specialist Physiotherapists.
Occupational Therapy to provide advice on methods or equipment to improve one’s abilities to carry out specific activities, such as dressing aids, special grips for pens and pencils etc. Provide assessment and recommendations for mobility aids such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Correct wheelchair positioning and postural management techniques. Housing adaptations such as modifications in doorways and countertops, grab rails, ramps, stair lifts, etc. Specialised equipment for seating, bath aids, etc. Exercise for fingers, hands or arms, the use of strengthening devices, activities designed to improve coordination

HSP Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Treatment

Treatment of the condition is based around the management of the symptoms – weakness and spasticity.

Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy aims to

Optimise and improve cardiovascular fitness
Optimise and improve muscle strength
Improve mechanics for walking, balance, falls prevention and function
Provide advice and support on adaptations and equipment
Targeted upper limb rehab
Practical advice and support on maintaining or improving all aspect of daily living
Maximise the individual’s independence

Medical management will focus primarily on medication control for spasticity control e.g. systemic through a pump or localised muscle injections with Botulinum toxin.

Orthotics are often used in conjunction with medical management and physiotherapy/occupational therapy, particularly to lift the foot when walking.

Useful Links

The Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Support Group

Treatment Options for Your HSP Symptoms?

Treatment options to manage your Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) symptoms:

Physiotherapy to maintain strength and mobility.
Exercise Therapy to improve cardiovascular fitness and soft tissue massage techniques and stretching to improve stiffness and spasticity
Medications to reduce spasticity.
Occupational Therapy for assistive devices (e.g., canes, walkers, wheelchairs).
Surgery in some cases.

To discuss your symptoms with one of our Specialist Therapists please Contact us.

What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)?

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of inherited neurological disorders causing progressive weakness and stiffness (spasticity) in the legs, often starting in childhood or young adulthood.

There are over 80 different types of HSP, each with its own genetic basis and clinical presentation. Symptoms typically worsen over time, potentially leading to difficulty walking and the need for assistive devices.

Symptoms can include:

Leg weakness and spasticity (stiffness)
Impaired vision or hearing
Ataxia (lack of coordination)
Epilepsy
Cognitive impairment
Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)

Symptoms and progression rate is variable between each individual.

Types of HSP:

Pure (Uncomplicated): Symptoms are limited to leg weakness and spasticity.
Complex (Complicated): Involve additional neurological or systemic problems beyond leg weakness and spasticity.

How PhysioFunction can help with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)

Some examples of the therapy you may receive includes:

Get in touch

HSP Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Treatment

Treatment Options for Your HSP Symptoms?

What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)?

Neurological Physiotherapy

PFit Personal Training

Foot Drop Solutions