Spierrepositionering

Spierrepositionering is the process of repositioning muscles to restore or improve movement and posture, primarily within medical and rehabilitation settings. The term is found in Dutch-language sources and may refer to strategies that adjust muscle tension, length, or attachment points to achieve better biomechanical alignment.

In clinical practice, spierrepositionering can be achieved through surgical interventions—such as tendon transfers, muscle lengthening, or repositioning of muscular attachments—as well as through non-surgical approaches, including targeted physical therapy, strengthening and stretching programs, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and biofeedback. The aims include balancing agonist and antagonist muscle groups, reducing spasticity or contractures, correcting deformities, and expanding functional range of motion.

Assessment typically involves evaluating muscle strength, tone, coordination, and joint alignment, along with imaging or gait analysis when relevant. Decisions about repositioning strategies depend on underlying pathology (for example nerve injury, cerebral palsy, or musculoskeletal trauma), patient goals, and multidisciplinary care considerations. Rehabilitation after repositioning focuses on retraining motor patterns and maintaining achieved alignment.

Etymology and context: the term combines "spier" (muscle) and "repositionering" (repositioning). It is part of broader domains such as orthopedics, physical therapy, and rehabilitation medicine, and may overlap with related concepts like tendon transfer, muscle balancing, and gait rehabilitation.

Terminology and usage vary by country and specialty, and the evidence base for specific repositioning techniques differs across conditions. As a descriptive concept, spierrepositionering highlights the goal of optimizing muscle configuration to improve function.