At the forefront of spasticity and neuromuscular care, Montefiore Einstein’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has introduced an innovative cold-based procedure that expands treatment options for managing spasticity, a condition characterized by muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms often seen after stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

This minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy, known as cryoneurolysis, uses precisely controlled cold temperatures to temporarily deactivate specific nerves responsible for spasticity, interrupting abnormal nerve signals that cause muscle overactivity. The procedure helps improve range of motion, reduce pain, enhance functional independence, and improve quality of life for individuals living with muscle tightness and pain.

“Cryoneurolysis represents a significant advancement in how we manage the secondary effects of neurologic disorders that cause spasticity,” said Bryan Le, MD, medical director of the Adult Spasticity Program. “For patients living with spasticity or muscle overactivity, this therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance participation in rehabilitation without the systemic side effects of oral medications or the invasiveness of surgery.”

Performed on an outpatient basis under ultrasound guidance, cryoneurolysis precisely targets the nerves responsible for muscle tightness while preserving nerve structure, allowing function to return naturally as the nerve regenerates. Unlike traditional treatments such as oral medications or repeated botulinum toxin injections, cryoneurolysis can provide longer-lasting relief, often up to six months or more, and may be used to complement other interventions including phenol neurolysis, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), and intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) as part of a personalized treatment plan.

At Montefiore Einstein’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a team of interventional physiatrists works closely with neurologists and physical and occupational therapists to develop individualized, evidence-based rehabilitation plans that integrate cryoneurolysis into comprehensive therapy regimens. This multidisciplinary approach maximizes outcomes, enabling patients to achieve meaningful gains in mobility, comfort, and quality of life.

“This technology allows us to tailor care more precisely to each patient’s needs,” Dr. Le said. “By adopting cryoneurolysis, we’re giving patients access to a safe, effective, and durable option for managing spasticity, empowering individuals to move with greater freedom, comfort, and confidence.”

Ongoing advancements in spasticity care underscore Montefiore Einstein’s leadership and commitment to innovation and excellence in neurorehabilitation. Montefiore Einstein’s Burke Rehabilitation Hospital is ranked in the top 1 percent of U.S. hospitals for rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report. The program also holds the highest standard in rehabilitation medicine, a three-year designation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and continues to expand access to advanced therapies that improve movement, restore function, and enhance quality of life.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call 833-REHAB-01 (833-734-2201) to learn how this groundbreaking therapy can help restore movement and improve daily living.