In this article, we step back and consider how brachial plexus injuries are treated and then look at how forms of electrical stimulation might contribute to achieving the best clinical outcome.

Brachial plexus injuries present a complex challenge in medical practice, with the potential to produce significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Effective treatment requires a meticulous, multifaceted approach, combining surgical and non-surgical interventions tailored to the patient's specific needs. This article explores current treatment strategies, focusing on the potential role of electrical stimulation as a complementary therapy. By examining its applications and efficacy, we aim to highlight how this innovative technique could enhance recovery and optimise clinical outcomes for individuals affected by these injuries.

All medical devices have indications and contraindications, and the manufacturer always states these clearly. However, not all electrical stimulation devices on the market are classified as medical devices, so the manufacturer may not clearly describe when they might be unsafe to use.

A very common situation we face when dealing with clients is the presence of metal implants such as joint replacements, fracture fixation plates and spinal instrumentation near where we wish to apply electrodes. The concern has been that the energy generated by electrical stimulation over metal implants would cause local, damaging heating within the tissues. We consider this below.

We must follow the manufacturer's recommendations. However, you might wonder about the real risks. Do the benefits of using electrical stimulation outweigh the risks? This article explores this topic.

FES Cycling is a well-established technique that allows persons with lower limb paralysis, perhaps after a spinal cord injury, to exercise their leg muscles actively despite the paralysis. In this article, we ask how to enhance muscle mass and joint flexibility through targeted electrode placement and a progressive exercise regimen.

Optimising FES Cycling involves carefully considering several factors to enhance muscle development and improve joint flexibility. Here, we’ll touch on a few key aspects. If you’re interested in exploring the topic further, we’ve included a list of in-depth articles on FES Cycling below.

Functional Electrical Stimulation cycling, also known as FES cycling or using an FES bike, is a rehabilitation technique that uses electrical stimulation to activate skeletal muscle in individuals with spinal cord injury or other types of neurological injury. This technique is well established in the homes of hundreds of people in the UK as well as in NHS and private facilities. In this article we address the topic of how often you should exercise with this technology. For example, is 20 minutes, three times per week really enough?

Electrical stimulation is a widely used method of applying energy to the body to produce a physiological response. By controlling the nature of this energy, we can expect to produce a useful therapeutic effect. These ideas have decades of practical use and are generally safe and effective in many situations. Still, it can be difficult to understand how to match one of the many techniques to a particular clinical case. This article delves into methodologies and technologies for pain management and muscle rehabilitation. We explore innovative solutions that offer customised and effective treatment plans, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has been a widely used technology in rehabilitation for many decades. But did you recognise how FES can contribute to neuroplasticity. Varying the nature of the stimulation and how we apply it can have many effects and be an essential tool to facilitate constructive neuroplasticity when recovering from a stroke or other neurological condition. We know now that our nervous system remains "plastic" throughout our lives, and this fact has been a great source of hope for those recovering from a neurological insult. But what is neuroplasticity, and do we understand how to leverage it? In this article, we examine this topic and examine how FES can support neuroplasticity as part of physical rehabilitation that aims to recover function following a stroke or other neurological problem.