Non-Operative — Phenol Injection - Lower Extremity

Children's Colorado / Center for Gait and Movement Analysis (CGMA) · CGMA Physical Therapy Team, Children's Colorado

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; normal activities with caution; effect lasts ~3-6 months

Key Restrictions

Avoid aggressive stretching x 1 week post-injection (muscle pull risk); risk of reduced sensation if sensory nerve affected; contraindicated with sensitivity to injected medications; initial functional decrease possible during adaptation period

Timeline & Phases

After first week: intensive stretching of injected muscles; neuromuscular re-education; antagonist strengthening (AARE, active, PRE with e-stim); gait training (foot position, stride, velocity); balance training; surface EMG/FES therapy; orthotic/seating evaluation; ADL/mobility training; biofeedback; HEP with stretching/strengthening/positioning

Notes

Pediatric; indication is large proximal muscle group with high-degree spasticity interfering with function, comfort, care, or causing skeletal deformity risk; phenol injected at motor point or motor nerve with e-stim guidance; effect 3-6 months; Children's Colorado CGMA

Surgeon / Author

CGMA Physical Therapy Team, Children's Colorado

Published

October 2007