What is FES?

 

FES is like no other form of electrical stimulation. The important distinction with FES is that it is has a triggering device that enables it Unlike other types of electrical stimulation which is used mainly as a muscle exercise

 

 

 

 

 

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a safe technique that is used to produce muscle contractions. Small electrical impulses pass through the skin and activate the nerve that lies beneath the skin. The nerve sends a message to the muscle it supplies to contract

 

How can Functional Electrical Stimulation alleviate Foot Drop?

Electrical impulses activate the nerves in the lower leg that control the muscles which move the ankle joint lifting the foot up. A small medical device is used to produce electrical impulses, these pass through the skin via self adhesive pads, placed on the outside of the lower leg.

 

A timely contraction is produce by taking a step. This assists the foot to clear the floor preventing the toes from catching, making walking easier and safer.The electrical impulses are produced by a small medical device (stimulator) which is either worn on the waist band or attached to the lower leg via a strap. There are a variety of stimulators available; the most suitable system will depend on your personnel circumstances.

 

FES can be used to assist hip or knee control in the more complex walking problems as well as assisting Foot Drop in both feet.

How will I know if it is suitable for me?

FES is suitable for people with the following conditions: Stroke, MS, Familial Spastic Paraparesis, Incomplete spinal cord injury, Head Injury, Cerebral Palsy plus other neurological conditions. Some walking ability is necessary with or without the use of aides; an individual assessment will assess both suitability and the outcomes that can be expected from FES treatment

Can FES help other walking problems?

FES is effective in improving ‘Foot Drop’ using a single channel stimulator. With some conditions ‘Foot Drop’ may occur on both the right and left side. In such cases a two channel stimulator may be used. More complex walking problems resulting from reduced hip or knee control may also be assisted with the use of a two channel system.

Can FES to be used to help with arm problems?

In conditions such a stroke, both arm and hand weakness can limit functional ability.  FES can be used to strengthen weak muscles and reduce spasticity. A personally tailored program is necessary to achieve the best results.

Arm stimulation

Electrical stimulation may achieve the following benefits when used as part of an individual therapy program:

 

• Improving function: Weakened muscles can be strengthened by using the system at home whilst practicing the desired functional goal.
• Reducing spasticity: may alleviate such problems as the ‘clenched fist’
• Reducing pain: Electrical stimulation has been successful in reducing pain arising from subluxation of the shoulder joint