Working with High Tone SCI & Neuro Clients

High neurological tone (also known as hypertonicity) is a frustrating side effect of spinal cord injury, both for the individual and for trainers to work with. Trainers are often stuck on how to “lift” this tone to expose true motor abilities and progress in function.

Traditional strategies for tone management are “band-aid solutions,” minimizing
tone for a short period before it returns in (sometimes larger) full force. Is there a better way to address neurological tone at its roots for more lasting results?

This presentation explores the impact of trauma and the role of the autonomic nervous system in chronic neurological tone. Participants will experience for themselves curated “central nervous system soothers” and exercises Stephanie has found to mitigate and decrease global neurological tone for the long term.

Brought to you by ZebraFish Neuro and Allied Health Warrior, this workshop is led by Stephanie Comella, Co-founder and CEO of ZebraFish Neuro, NCPT, and experienced educator and coach. It is designed for trainers and therapists who work with people living with high muscle tone after spinal cord injury.

What the Workshop Covers:

• What high muscle tone is, and how it shows up in people with spinal cord injuries.
• How stress and the body’s automatic nervous system can make muscle tone worse.
• Why common treatments for muscle tone often fall short.
• Practical techniques and exercises that can help lower muscle tone and improve movement.
• How to choose the right exercises and movement patterns for people with high muscle tone.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn to:

• Recognize and understand high muscle tone and how it affects people with SCI.
• Understand how the Polyvagal Theory relates to increased muscle tone.
• Identify the limits of standard approaches to managing muscle tone.
• Use practical techniques and exercises that can help reduce muscle tone.
• Decide which exercises and movement patterns are most helpful for clients with high muscle tone

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is designed for trainers, therapists, and anyone working with people who have spinal cord injuries and experience high muscle tone.

What to Expect:

Participants will get to try out practical exercises and techniques that can be used right away with clients. The workshop will focus on real-world strategies that go beyond short-term fixes, aiming for improvements that last.