FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation
What is FES?
FES or Functional electrical stimulation is a way of helping you activate your muscles which have been affected by a central nervous system disorder such as stroke or brain injury. The device triggers the peripheral nerves to give you a muscle contraction. FES can help you to correct a drop foot, which is the inability to lift your toes up when walking. Drop foot can be caused by both upper or lower motor neuron conditions but FES can only help with drop foot caused by upper motor neuron lesions such as stroke, MS, Cerebral Palsy and Spinal cord injuries. There are a number of devices available which supply FES. At Sense Ability Therapy we can offer assessment and treatment with L300Go/ L100, as well as the Alfess which we have access to in clinic for regular use.
Jenny has proved sensitive to my husband’s needs and I would certainly recommend her. One person has a stroke and their mobility affected but the partner also needs support. We have received that from Sense Ability.
Wife of Stroke Client – Torquay
What is L300/L100Go?
The L300Go foot drop system is an award winning gait system which uses an Intelli-Sense Gait sensor to stimulate the appropriate muscles in your leg to improve your walking on all different surfaces. It is also wireless and is set up by the clinician to the specific settings required by you to walk efficiently and stored in the device for you to continue to use it at home. It has a slimline design which can be comfortably worn under most clothing. The L100go is a cheaper model which carries out the same function for foot drop as the L300 but removes the option of activating the hamstrings as well. For further information follow this link L300
What is Alfess?
Like the above foot drop system, the Alfess is an alternative device that can alleviate foot drop caused by an upper motor neuron condition. The Alfess also sits on the front of your lower leg and is wireless but has the advantage of using a gel rather than electrodes to conduct the stimulation. We are fortunate to have an Alfess device in clinic and can assess and use this during treatment sessions as well as offering trials for suitability to purchase your own device. For further information on the device follow this link ALFESS
Who is FES useful for?
- Stroke
- Cerebral Palsy
- Incomplete spinal cord injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Brain Injury
- Other upper motor neuron lesion conditions
Who cannot use it?
- All lower motor neuron conditions/ peripheral nerve problems
- People with severe fixed contractures at the ankle
- Pacemakers – testing by cardiologist required
- Pregnant ladies – effect not known
- Poorly controlled epilepsy sufferers
- People with poor skin condtion
I’m interested, what do I do now?
Contact us to discuss whether this technology is right for you. All FES systems are set up specifically to your needs and movement patterns. Come to our clinic and we can assess which device is right for you.
Contact us for more details or an assessment: 07951 466232 or: