What Is High Muscle Tone

High tone or hypertonia is increased tension in the muscles which makes it difficult for them to relax and can lead to contractures and loss of independence with everyday tasks.

What does high muscle tone look like?

High muscle tone will often present as appearing rigid, it’s generally difficult to move and often involve muscles responsible for flexion, more than extension. In the leg, the knee may have a slight bend, the same will go for the elbow, while wrist and fingers are often fisted.

What does muscle tone mean?

Muscle tone is the amount of tension (or resistance to movement) in muscles. Our muscle tone helps us to hold our bodies upright when we are sitting and standing. Changes in muscle tone are what enable us to move. Muscle tone also contributes to the control, speed and amount of movement we can achieve.