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 health care clinicians who provide assessment and treatment to 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 that focuses on hypertonia management pertinent to health professionals aiming 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 ADV778 teaching will be delivered face to face in person. There is no option for online attendance. Please ensure you are able to travel to Plymouth to attend all 4 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

2, 3, 4, and 24 March 2026

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.