Hypertonia Clinic

Overview

Hypertonia Clinic provides family-centered care for children and youth with Cerebral Palsy and other Neurodevelopmental conditions affecting muscle function and tone. Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) causes muscles to be tight, stiff, or difficult to move because of the way the brain and spinal cord are sending messages to the muscles. Our goal is to improve the quality-of-life for the children, youth and families that we serve. Frequency of visits is variable.

What To Expect During Your Visit

Check-in occurs at Clinic Crossing. Check with the front reception desk at SCCY Centre if you require directions to Clinic Crossing. Your child will have their weight and height measured by our clinic coordinator. You will then be taken into one of our clinic rooms. You will be seen by a nurse clinician and a physician (a physiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or a complex care pediatrician) who will ask you about your child’s medical history, current medications, examine your child’s joints and muscles and assess their muscle tone. Your child may also need an x-ray, which may be performed before or after your assessment with the physician. Initial appointment times are generally 60 minutes and follow up visits are typically 30 minutes.

Following the assessment, a range of interventions may be discussed with you that could include medications, activities, stretches, exercises, equipment and orthotics such as splints or braces. If Botox therapy or surgery is needed, it will be performed at Children’s Hospital, and we will discuss that process with you.

Meet Your Team

You’ll meet with one of our physicians who will examine your child’s medical background, as well as assess the functionality and mobility of their muscles and joints through a physical exam. The Physician may present potential interventions such as medications or Botox injections with you and your child.

If an x-ray is required, our technician will bring you to and from the x-ray department at the SCCY Centre.

You may also meet a physiotherapist or orthotist who will evaluate the function of your child’s muscles and make recommendations for treatment which could include, stretching and activity, orthotics (braces) and equipment.

How To Access The Program

Referrals are accepted on our RCC Clinic Intake Form, completed by a primary care provider. Our fax number is (204) 474-2387. For more information, you can also call our Clinic Coordinator at (204) 258-6575.

The Hypertonia Clinic is open on Mondays from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM in Clinic Crossing at SCCY Centre.

Program Funder

This program is funded by Manitoba Health, Shared Health, the WRHA and the Rehabilitation Centre for Children.