Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional Electrical Stimulation: Electrical muscle activation therapy.
What is Functional Electrical Stimulation?
Whilst we’re passionate about carrying out your treatment face-to-face, some individuals prefer to continue their rehabilitation from Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) a therapeutic method or technique employed to stimulate weak, paralysed or functionally impaired muscles through the application of small electrical charges. The electrical pulses activate the nerves that control these muscles, prompting them to contract – helping to restore/improve function and strength.
(FES) is commonly used in the treatment of ‘foot drop’ (the inability to lift the foot during walking) and can be used to assist with a variety of activities, such as walking, grasping, or other motor functions.
Foot drop is usually caused as a result of a stroke, or a neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries or Parkinson’s disease.
Types of Functional Electrical Stimulation
(FES) can be used on both upper and lower limbs and is dependent on the individual needs of the patient.
Upper Limbs
Used to stimulate the muscles in the hands and arms. This can help improve functionality in patients who may have experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury, or other neurological conditions that affect the upper body and can assist with activities such as gripping, lifting, and other tasks that require fine motor skills.
Lower Limbs
Used in the lower limbs to help patients regain abilities such as standing, walking, or even cycling. Patients with a foot drop are commonly treated with FES by stimulating the nerves that lift the foot to improve walking. FES can also help strengthen the muscles and improve circulation in the legs by improving walking and exercise tolerance in patients.
Our Functional Electrical Stimulation Services
At Let’s Go Physio, we have trained therapists available to assess and fit both upper and lower-limb FES stimulators.
Please note, that FES is not suitable for every foot drop patient and those with damage to the nerve that runs between the spinal cord and muscle; for example, those with a slipped disc, a traumatic lower limb injury, Polio, Motor Neurone Disease or Guillain Barre Syndrome cannot be treated with FES. However, there are alternative therapies available for these conditions.
Each client is different and our experienced team will create a bespoke diagnosis and therapy plan tailored to your individual needs and requirements.
Benefits of using Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional Electrical Stimulation has a variety of benefits for patients including:
- Improving muscle strength and tone
- Spasticity reduction
- Increasing functional ability
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Increasing joint range of movement
- Reducing oedema
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Improving fatigue resistance and endurance
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Movement re-education
- Improves balance
We understand that the prospect of treatment can be daunting. To help make your experience as comfortable and as stress-free as possible, our team of therapists will work with you to create a bespoke therapy plan. If you’re interested in learning more about our Functional Electrical Stimulation service or if you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Call 01282 222720 or email info@letsgophysio.co.uk.
Get in touch with a member of our friendly team
Office 3
Northlight Estate
Northlight Parade
Nelson
BB9 5EG
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