Clinical Management of Hypertonia (ADV778)
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in the holistic assessment and management of hypertonia
Key features
This module has been designed for healthcare clinicians who assess and treat patients with a neurological impairment known as hypertonia.
The module is open to all health professionals as a stand-alone module or part of the
Advanced Professional Practice in Neurological Rehabilitation pathway.
The module is delivered by an expert interdisciplinary team focused on hypertonia management for health professionals seeking to improve service delivery.
Postgraduate students participating in this module will develop a critical understanding of hypertonia, contemporary assessment methods, and evidence-based management approaches. Students will have the opportunity to focus on specific patient populations or aspects of hypertonia relevant to their practice, such as dystonia or spasticity.
The module is open to all health professionals as a stand-alone module or part of the
The module is delivered by an expert interdisciplinary team focused on hypertonia management for health professionals seeking to improve service delivery.
Postgraduate students participating in this module will develop a critical understanding of hypertonia, contemporary assessment methods, and evidence-based management approaches. Students will have the opportunity to focus on specific patient populations or aspects of hypertonia relevant to their practice, such as dystonia or spasticity.
Module code
ADV778
Credits
20
FHEQ Level
Level 7 – masters degree
Location
Face-to-face delivery at Plymouth*
*Please note that ADV778 teaching will be delivered face-to-face in person. There is no option for online attendance. Please ensure you can travel to Plymouth to attend all four days of teaching.
Summary of module content
Pathophysiology
- Hypertonia/spasticity/dystonia (focal, regional/segmental, systemic).
- Hypertonia in specific populations (e.g. paediatrics, dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, ABI).
- Clinical guidelines and policy to inform evidence-based practice.
- Clinical features and differential diagnoses (spasticity, dystonia).
- ICF and the impact of hypertonia on the patient.
- Clinical application of theory to practice to aid service improvement plans.
Assessment
- Assessment practice and critical evaluation of multi-disciplinary clinical outcome measures.
- Introduction to lab-based outcomes using contemporary facilities and equipment.
Management
- Holistic multi-disciplinary management of hypertonia.
- Postural management of people with mild, moderate, and severe hypertonia.
- Patient education and self-management.
- Stretching, strengthening, splinting, and electrical stimulation.
- Pharmacological management of spasticity.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the module, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertonia and evaluate the impact of hypertonia on the control of sensorimotor function.
- Demonstrate a critical and evaluative understanding of the assessment and management of hypertonia based on a client-centred holistic approach.
- Critically evaluate the impact of hypertonia on service users and their carers, and be able to apply this understanding to service delivery and improvement.
- Demonstrate the application of learning and the use of clinical reasoning skills through critical reflection on relevant clinical case scenarios.
Assessment
The assessment for this module is a written assignment.
Module dates
Provisional dates for 2026-27: 1, 2, 3, 9 March 2027
Occasionally, delivery dates are subject to change. Always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. If attendance is low, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.
Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.
Entry requirements
You will normally be a healthcare professional with a first degree or a related academic degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above or European first cycle equivalent. Clinicians without a degree but with appropriate experience may be eligible to apply. Overseas students require an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
Fees
Please see our
Professional Development module fees .
Module lead
Admissions information
Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
- Application forms.
- Change of name forms.
- Pre-course information.
- Downloadable guides.
- Student card.
Visit
Professional Development Unit (PDU) admissions for full details.
Further information
For further information regarding this module, please contact:
Professional Development Unit
Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 6AB
Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 6AB