Tone Management
The clinical approach to assessing and treating abnormal muscle tone—whether hypertonic or hypotonic—to optimise a patient's functional ability.
Full Definition
Tone management encompasses the full spectrum of interventions directed at normalising pathological muscle tone in rehabilitation patients. It includes pharmacological agents (e.g., baclofen, botulinum toxin), physical modalities, and positioning strategies. Editors encounter the term in physiatric notes, occupational therapy documentation, and treatment protocols. The term is broader than spasticity management because it also addresses hypotonia and dystonia. Writers should resist conflating tone management solely with anti-spasticity treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase; avoid the non-standard hyphenated form 'tone-management' except in adjectival constructions (e.g., a tone-management protocol).
In Context
- "Tone management for this stroke patient included daily stretching, botulinum toxin injections to the upper limb flexors, and a customised resting hand splint." — Physiatric treatment plan
- "The physical therapist documented tone management outcomes using standardised scales at each weekly session." — Outpatient rehabilitation progress note