Understanding and managing spasticity and spasms in MS

19 May 2025

Spasticity and spasms are common MS symptoms that vary from person to person and can be challenging to understand and manage.  

In this episode, we explore how these symptoms can feel with the help of our MS community and what you can do about them.  

We asked MS specialist physiotherapist Wendy Hendrie to share her near 40-years experience with us.  

We are very glad we did, because we learned such a huge amount. In fact, so much so that we can almost guarantee you will too in the next hour. And this know-how could make a real difference to the way you understand and approach your spasticity and spasms.  

Wendy breaks these complex symptoms down in a way that’s easy to follow. She explores trigger factors, including pain – even pain you can’t feel due to loss of sensation – bladder and bowels, posture and positioning including pelvis alignment and head movement. Plus exercise, night spasms and the importance of getting medication reviews especially if you haven’t seen your MS team in a while. 

Episode notes

• Spasticity and spasms - MS Trust information
• What do MS spasticity and muscle spasms feel like? - MS Trust information
• Managing spasticity and spasms - MS Trust information
• Download or order our free book on Managing spasticity and spasms - MS Trust information
• Learn what may be triggering your spasticity and spasms
• Peer support: join our MS Trust Facebook community (public group)
• Peer support: join our Advanced MS Care and Support Facebook community (private group) 
• Spoon theory explanation video
• Thrower B et al.
  Recognition, Description, and Variability of Spasticity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis and Potential Barriers to Clinician-Patient Dialogue: Results From SEEN-MSS, a Large-Scale, Self-Reported Survey
  International Journal of MS Care. 2024; 26 (2): 75-80
  Summary