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Neurotechnology

Functional Electrical Stimulation

Functional Electrical Stimulation Rehabilitation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) delivers small electrical impulses that are used to activate individual or groups of muscles when a person is unable to do so independently due to their neurological condition. FES is a well-established rehabilitation technology supported by significant evidence and has an important role to play in treating conditions affecting the central nervous system such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy, both in adults and children.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Suitable for individuals who require intensive and focused care, who are not yet ready to return home after discharge from hospital.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Suitable for individuals who do not require continuous medical supervision and can visit any of our centres.

Community Rehabilitation

Suitable for individuals transitioning from inpatient rehabilitation and those whose health condition prevents them from visiting any of our centres.

Benefits of Functional Electrical Stimulation

The advantages of FES vary widely based on factors such as the condition type, severity and the device used, therefore our treatment plans are designed to address and educate the specific symptoms and needs of each individual.

Combat Drop Foot

Improving Range of Motion

Muscle Endurance

Muscle Strengthening

Oedema Management

Pain Management

Reduce Spasticity

Sensory Re-education

Tone Reduction

Types of Functional Electrical Stimulation

At Hobbs Rehabilitation we have a variety of FES devices, you can find out more information on each device or contact us and our specialists will assist in finding the best suitable equipment for your individual needs and goals.

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Enquire

Enquire today about any of our services or packages

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Screen

You will be contacted to determine your needs and assessment location

Physiotherapist and patient sat facing towards each other, participating in an assessment consultation
Assess

Your therapist will recommend the best course of treatment

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Treatment

Once you have booked you will be ready to start your treatment plan.

What to Expect

During the assessment, your therapist will discuss your clinical history and recommend the best treatment/device, considering your needs and personal goals. You will then be assessed with the device, completing outcome measures with and without to check for effectiveness. The device will then be set up and ready for loaning, if appropriate, for up to 2 weeks.

Let's Get Started

We offer a variety of functional electrical stimulation in inpatient, outpatient and community settings – find your nearest centre

Alternatively, call us on 01962 779796 to talk with our team or fill out our enquiry form on our contact page.

We accept self-referrals and referrals from Medico-Legal, health and social care professionals and the charity sector.

Need More Information?

Explore a range of common questions about functional electrical stimulation, and see how you may benefit from an assessment. If your question still isn’t answered, get in touch – contact us.

Functional Electrical Stimulation is a well-established and evidence-supported rehabilitation technology. It plays a crucial role in the treatment of various conditions that affect the central nervous system, benefiting individuals of all age groups, including adults and children.

FES involves the use of controlled electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and muscles in the body. This stimulation helps individuals regain or enhance motor function and control, making it particularly effective in the rehabilitation of conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

FES is a versatile and valuable tool in the field of rehabilitation, assisting patients in their journey toward enhanced mobility, function, and independence.

Functional Electrical Stimulation is a technique that delivers small electrical impulses to activate individual or groups of muscles when a person is unable to do so independently due to their neurological condition. This innovative approach offers a range of simple yet profound benefits, including:

Muscle Strengthening: FES stimulates muscle contractions, helping individuals regain and enhance muscle strength, which is particularly valuable for those with weakened muscles due to injury or medical conditions.

Muscle Endurance: FES assists in improving muscle endurance, enabling individuals to sustain muscle contractions for longer durations, and enhancing their overall physical stamina.

Tone Reduction: For those experiencing muscle stiffness or spasticity, FES can help reduce muscle tone, making movements smoother and more controlled.

Improving Range of Motion: FES therapy aids in increasing joint flexibility and range of motion, which is crucial for individuals with limited mobility.

Oedema Management: FES can play a pivotal role in managing oedema, the abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues, by promoting circulation and fluid drainage.

Sensory Re-Education: It helps re-educate sensory pathways, enhancing an individual’s sensory perception and coordination.

Functional Electrical Stimulation can be strategically applied during specific functional tasks, such as correcting foot drop during walking or facilitating hand function during grasp and release activities.

FES isn’t limited to symptom management; it can also be a powerful tool to mitigate the negative effects of complete or permanent paralysis. By stimulating muscles and nerves, FES can help prevent muscle atrophy and preserve function. Additionally, it aids in the recovery of nerve and muscle function, making it a valuable component of rehabilitation programs.

In summary, FES operates by delivering controlled electrical impulses to target muscles and nerves, providing individuals with neurological conditions a means to regain muscle strength, endurance, and control. This versatile therapy can be tailored to specific functional tasks and holds promise in both symptom management and functional recovery.

Yes, we provide functional electrical stimulation for both adults and children with neurological conditions/injuries. Our team includes specialists who can assist individuals of all ages. Our paediatric team is well-equipped to offer care to children across different age groups.

While Hobbs Rehabilitation clinicians are trained assessors for a variety of different functional electrical stimulation devices, it’s important to note that we are not distributors of these devices. Our primary role is to evaluate and recommend devices based on clinical appropriateness and the specific needs of the individual.

Our clinicians are dedicated to providing professional assessments and guidance to help make informed decisions about the most suitable FES device for unique circumstances. However, the actual purchase of FES devices is typically facilitated through authorised distributors or retailers.

Ultimately, Hobbs Rehabilitation’s priority is to ensure our patients receive the best possible care and guidance in selecting and using FES devices as part of their rehabilitation and treatment journey.

Functional electrical stimulation is available as part of your rehabilitation across our centres in two different pathways:

As a stand-alone FES service: Assessments are 1.5 hours with a specialist neurotherapist with training in the required device. We will complete an assessment for your FES needs with a specific device. Depending on the device a trial period may be possible with options for purchasing, device set-up and reviews thereafter.
Part of your treatment plan: Functional electrical stimulation is available as part of your inpatient, outpatient and/or intensive rehabilitation programme. Alongside other treatment options, neurotechnology rehabilitation such as FES may be used if indicated by your clinical needs.

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