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:

Some examples of the HSP 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 as Turbomed 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.
Referral to specialist Occupational Therapy

HSP Physiotherapy Treatment

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

Physiotherapy aims to

Optimise and improve cardiovascular fitness
Optimise and improve muscle strength
Improve mechanics for walking, balance, falls prevention and function
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, 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.
Assistive devices (e.g., canes, walkers, wheelchairs).
Surgery in some cases.

To discuss your symptoms with one of our Specialist Neuro Physiotherapists 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.

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How PhysioFunction can help with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)

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HSP Physiotherapy Treatment

Treatment Options for Your HSP Symptoms?

What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)?

Neurological Physiotherapy

Neuro Rehabilitation Technologies

PFit Personal Training