Tone Management
A clinical and equipment-based strategy to reduce or accommodate abnormal muscle tone—including spasticity, rigidity, or hypotonia—through positioning, equipment selection, and adjunct therapies.
Full Definition
Tone management in rehabilitation technology refers to the comprehensive approach of addressing atypical muscle tone to improve function, comfort, and skin integrity. High tone (hypertonia), including spasticity and rigidity, and low tone (hypotonia) both affect how seating systems and mobility devices must be configured. Postural supports, cushion materials, dynamic seating components, and positioning schedules may all be prescribed as part of a tone management program. Editors should note that 'tone management' is written as an open compound (two words, no hyphen) in most clinical style guides. It should not be conflated with 'spasticity management,' which refers specifically to the pharmacological or interventional treatment of spasticity.
Usage
Usage note: Written as an open compound (no hyphen). Distinguish from 'spasticity management' (pharmacological/interventional) and 'postural management' (long-term positioning strategy).
In Context
- "The dynamic seating system was prescribed as part of a broader tone management program to reduce extensor thrust during seated activities." — Complex rehabilitation technology assessment
- "Do not conflate 'tone management' with 'spasticity management'; the latter is pharmacological and outside the scope of this equipment justification." — Editorial accuracy note