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Hypertonic or spastic muscles go into spasm in patterns dictated by the strength of the muscle groups to which they belong.
In this muscle group, the most common position for spastic muscles is with the hips and knees pulled straight, legs pulled together and foot pointed down.
However, in a few cases, the opposite patterns may co-exist or predominate and the legs may draw up into a flexor pattern—hips, knees and feet pulled up towards the torso.
The common position for spastic muscles is with the elbows, wrist, fingers bent and the arm pulled across the body, similar to when you eat with your hands.
Again, in some people the opposite pattern may predominate and the elbow may be pulled straight.
In the torso, the back muscles that lie on either side of the spine may also spasm. This produces a very strong pattern that arches the back and neck and very often triggers a straightening response in the legs. This response can make transfers from a chair to the toilet, car or bed very difficult.
Stretching your arms over your head will often trigger the back muscles into a spasm.
These spastic reactions can be frustrating, and interfere with your day-to-day activities. However, there are times when the presence of spasticity can be beneficial.
For example, it can assist positional changes in bed. A sharp pull on a bed bar can induce a flexor spasm—this raises the knees, and in turn allows you to turn onto your side, easing pressure points on back, buttocks and heels. A later push on the bar will trigger an extensor spasm—this allows you to return to your back.
So, whilst spasticity can be frustrating, it can also provide extra help with your movements.