Massage Therapy & Laser for Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy and Neuromotor Conditions
Massage Therapy & Laser for Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy and Neuromotor Conditions
Gentle approaches that help muscles move more freely
For children and adults living with cerebral palsy or neuromotor conditions, spasticity can make everyday movement feel like a constant uphill climb. Muscles stay “on” when they should be resting, creating stiffness, discomfort, and pain.
At Same Stars Wellness, we use massage therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) together to help calm the nervous system, reduce spasticity, and improve comfort — supporting every patient’s goals for greater mobility and ease in daily life.
Understanding spasticity
Spasticity occurs when the brain and muscles aren’t communicating smoothly.
Instead of receiving a balanced message to contract and release, muscles remain tight or hyperactive, often leading to:
Limited range of motion
Pain or fatigue from constant tension
Difficulty with coordination, balance, or fine motor control
Disrupted sleep and posture
While spasticity is a symptom — not a cause — it can significantly impact quality of life. That’s why we use targeted therapies that support both the muscles and the nervous system that control them.
How massage and laser therapy work together
Massage therapy and LLLT share a common goal: improving tissue health, circulation, and nervous system regulation.
Used together, they can enhance each other’s effects — helping the body reach a deeper state of relaxation and recovery.
Massage helps by:
Increasing circulation and muscle flexibility
Encouraging sensory awareness and gentle desensitization
Supporting joint mobility and postural alignment
Reducing discomfort from tight, overused muscles
Low-Level Laser Therapy adds:
Photobiomodulation — light energy that supports cell repair and reduces inflammation
Gentle stimulation that helps reduce muscle tone and spasm activity
Improved nerve communication and blood flow
Non-invasive pain relief without heat or discomfort
Together, massage and laser provide both immediate relief and long-term support for individuals managing spasticity.
For children and adults alike
Every person experiences spasticity differently — and our approach reflects that.
For children, we use gentle rhythmic massage and targeted laser application to help relax tone, improve comfort during play or therapy, and support motor development.
For adults, treatments focus on pain reduction, maintaining flexibility, and preventing secondary complications like joint stiffness or fatigue.
Appointments are adapted for comfort, whether that means working in a wheelchair, on a treatment table, or during home visits.
Why pairing LLLT with massage matters
Many families and individuals notice faster or longer-lasting results when laser and massage are combined, especially when treatments are spaced regularly or used alongside physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
This combination supports:
Improved movement patterns and tolerance to stretching
Less post-therapy soreness
Better rest and recovery between physiotherapy sessions
A calmer, more regulated nervous system
By targeting both the neurological and musculoskeletal systems, this approach helps reduce the cycle of spasticity and discomfort — allowing patients to move, play, and live with more freedom.
What to expect during care
Your therapist will:
Assess the areas most affected by tone or tightness
Apply laser therapy to targeted regions — usually over specific muscle groups or tendons
Use slow, rhythmic massage and stretching to enhance mobility and comfort
Reassess movement and adjust based on your body’s response
Most people describe treatments as soothing and relaxing — with no pain, downtime, or side effects.
Supporting long-term comfort and function
Spasticity management is a journey, not a quick fix.
Combining massage therapy and laser therapy offers a safe, evidence-based way to make that journey easier, more comfortable, and more empowering — for both adults and children.
At Same Stars Wellness, every treatment plan is personalized and collaborative.
We believe every person deserves access to effective, compassionate care that helps them move through life with less pain and more confidence.
Further Reading & Resources
Cerebral Palsy Alberta – Support & Education
Massage Therapy Foundation – Massage & Neurological Conditions
Explore how laser and massage therapy can support your mobility journey — call 403-452-6783 or visit samestarswellness.com.
