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IMPROVE MUSCLE FUNCTION
Help increase strength and range of motion
FES can have an important role to play in treating conditions affecting the central nervous system. FES devices send small electrical impulses to the nerves via electrodes placed over the muscles. This input causes the muscles to contract.
For FES to be effective both the nerve and the muscle supplied by the nerve must be undamaged.
The electrical stimulation can increase strength and range of motion, and offset the effects of disuse. It is used to “re-train” or “re-educate” a muscle to function when a person is unable to do this independently due to their neurological condition.
It can also be used specifically during a functional task such as correcting foot drop during walking or hand functions such as grasp and release. It aims to reproduce what the brain does naturally to make our muscles work.
Conditions suitable for FES
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Incomplete Spinal cord injury
- Head Injury
- Other upper motor neurone conditions
At Chiltern Neuro we use several types of devices to treat a variety of conditions and movement difficulties.
Benefits of Functional Electrical Stimulation
When used on the lower limb FES can:
- prevent your toes from catching when walking,
- improve quality of your walking and speed
- reduce the effort needed to walk
- increase your walking distance
- improve your balance
- improve muscle strength
- increase the options of footwear as it is not bulky like many AFOs
When use on the upper limb FES can:
- Improve hand function during grasp and release
- Strengthen shoulder muscles to reduce shoulder subluxation a kind of dislocation) after stroke
- Improve arm movement, such as reaching
In addition it can:
- Reduce spasticity (tightness in your muscles)
- Reduce pain
- Mange Oedema
- Help Sensory re education
All FES devices need the set-up under the supervision of a trained clinician who can ensure that the right choices are made and the best outcomes are achieved, both initially and over time, as clinical changes occur.
What services does Chiltern Neuro Physiotherapy Offer?
Various FES devices are available to trial as part of your rehabilitation programme.
We have a variety of stimulators which can be trailed and loaned for short periods.
We use a range of companies and products to match the individual with the most appropriate device to meet their clinical, personal and financial requirements, ensuring our advice and guidance is independent and unbiased.
Following purchase of devices, we provide clinical support moving forward to ensure that the device continues to work effectively and provide optimal performance for the user.
EXPERTS IN REHABILITATION
Our Team
Our Team brings together decades of combined experience and knowledge in Neuro Physio Rehabilitation. To find out more about each team member, click on their individual profile.
Philippa Smith
Philippa graduated as a Physiotherapist from Guy’s hospital in 1986 and has specialised in neurology since 1989. Since qualifying she has worked in several London NHS teaching hospitals including the Royal Free, Charing Cross and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. She gained a…
Isobel Sansom
Isobel graduated as a physiotherapist in 2010 with a Bsc (Hons) from Brighton University. She initially worked in paediatric neurology at the PACE centre Aylesbury as part of a highly specialised team providing physiotherapy within the educational setting. She then moved to adult mental health…
Hannah Hine-Thomas
Hannah graduated as a physiotherapist from the University of Birmingham in 2014. She has worked in a variety of NHS roles across the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire areas. She has always held a particular interest in neurology and this is the area in which she chose…
Sarah Dixon
Sarah graduated from The London Hospital in 1989, and has specialised in neurology since 1991. Initially working at The Royal Free Hospital and then The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery she built up experience in both acute and long - term Rehabilitation. From there…
The Next Steps
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