Electrical stimulation uses the same technique of pads on the skin above a muscle to help with exercising a weak or paralysed muscle. This could be useful for exercising and strengthening weak or paralysed muscles in the hand, arm or leg. It can be useful for reducing shoulder subluxation and the associated pain. It can also be helpful to acclimatise a client to the stimulation sensation prior to using FES in suitable candidates.
Assessment for electrical stimulation can be provided and treatment programmes can be designed for use as part of rehabilitation programmes.
Functional electrical stimulation involves putting on electrical pads to the skin above a muscle group and activating the muscles by electrical current. FES produces contractions in paralysed muscles by the application of small pulses of electrical stimulation to nerves that supply the weak or paralysed muscle. This causes movement which can be used functionally to assist with walking.
It has been found to be useful for some clients with reducing the effort needed to re-learn to walk, reduce dependence on walking aids and helpers and can assist when becoming fatigued to get the most out of physiotherapy sessions and daily life.
