Many people suffer from restricted movement in their joints (contractures), being unable to bend or straighten them fully. Contractures can develop after strokes, accidents, burns and periods of immobility, or they may result from conditions such as arthritis, muscular dystrophies or cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy alone affects one baby in every 400. However they arise, contractures may severely affect everyday activities. This study looks at a new way of increasing the movement in a joint using the combined effects of heat and stretching with a specially designed splint. This will be used initially to help people with cerebral palsy but may be transferable to those suffering contractures from other conditions. If successful it will give all patients a faster, more effective treatment that they can apply at home.