Why is FES important
For people with little to no movement in a muscles group/joint, FES is the gold standard approach to getting more activation through these muscles groups. With regular use of ‘Functional Electrical Stimulation’ you have the opportunity to create new neuroplasticity from your brain to your muscles to attempt to movement back.
We have created this guide for ease of use for ph.therapy clients once we have set them up on electrical stimulation on their own at home. If you’d like to know more about electrical stimulation and how it is used for neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries and other Brain Injuries give us a call or submit a contact form.
Warning and disclaimers
Only use the electrical stimulation machine if you have been authorised by your treating physiotherapist.
If you do not feel comfortable or confident using the electrical stimulation machine, please ask your physiotherapist or contact us via the information at the bottom of this page.
Physio Health Therapy takes no responsibility if the machines malfunction, this is something you will have to raise with the manufacturer.
If you/the patient is in more pain than normal/when tried with the physiotherapist there, then please think about adjusting the pads as per the physiotherapist recommendations – if you’re not sure how to adjust them then please ask your treating physiotherapist at your next appointment.
Do not use over broken skin.
If you see increased redness on the skin, stop using the machine until your physiotherapist has looked at it. If it is very red or irritated then call 111 or go into A&E. If unsure of what to do try to get in contact with your physiotherapist.
Do not use it with anyone with a pacemaker.
Do not use if pregnant
Do not use near any metal work/implants
Prevent:
Using the electrical stimulation on hairy or dry skin, this will reduce the conductivity of the electrode pads. Feel free to shave hair off and to moisturise the skin when the electrical stimulation is not being used.
Leaving your pads and machine in hot rooms, keep them in cool dry places.
How to use and set up your FES session:
Clean skin.
You can use: non moisture baby wipes or soap and water.
- Dry the skin completely, use a paper towel or towel to dry the skin.
- Apply the electrodes onto the places your physiotherapist has recommended.
- Plug in the wires (red on top, black underneath)
- Turn the machine on. Make sure it is set to the right program
- Start slowly increase the Ma
How often should I be doing electrical stimulation
You should aim to do this daily for about 5 – 20 minutes, to start off with. If you struggle with fatigue, you may have to do a few repetitions then do some more. You can do this a couple of times a day, but to build up a habit aim for once a day and continue with your other rehabilitation exercises too. Your physiotherapist will give you guidance on how long, repetitions and intensity you should be doing.
Still have some questions or want to book in, give us a call
We provide home visits in and around London, or you can be seen in our clinic in Hounslow.
By Sabrina
Owner of Ph.therapy
