FES - Functional Electrical
Stimulation - Use following Stroke
Patient Information
Author ID:
Leaflet Number:
Version:
Name of Leaflet:
Date Produced:
Review Date:
HM
Phy 063
1
FES - Functional Electrical Stimulation - Use following Stroke
November 2015
November 2017
FES - Functional Electrical Stimulation - Use following Stroke
Page 1 of 4
Introduction

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) uses small electrical impulses to stimulate
paralysed muscles and so produce useful movement.

The impulses work by stimulating the nerves leading to the muscles.

Self-adhesive patches called electrodes are placed on the skin close to the nerve,
often over the muscle which needs to be stimulated.

Leads are then connected to the electrodes which carry the impulses.
How stimulation can be used after a stroke

Whilst you are under the direct care of a physiotherapist, either in a stroke or
Community neuro therapy team, FES may be chosen for your treatment by your
therapist.

If it is so, it will be used as a trial, alongside your normal treatment, to increase the
effect of your treatment and will not be used as a replacement of your normal
therapy.

The use of FES cannot be continued after you have been discharged by the therapy
teams as its effects cannot be monitored.

Decisions to use or to stop using FES will be discussed with you and /or your family
members throughout your course of treatment.
When stimulation can be used after a stroke

Stimulation can be used in the arm and hand or the leg and foot.

Stimulation may be given as a type of exercise to strengthen weakened muscles.

It can also be used to try to relax tight muscles.

FES can sometimes be helpful in reducing swelling in a limb.

In all of the above instances, the aim of using FES will be to assist in achieving a
functional goal.

Most people who benefit from stimulation usually have movement in the limb that is
being treated.
FES - Functional Electrical Stimulation - Use following Stroke
Page 2 of 4
Are there any tests involved?

Tests are usually needed before choosing FES as a treatment and they are not
invasive.

The tests are usually used to measure functional improvements, for example,
walking speed or the quality of walking or of a particular arm or hand function. This
may involve looking at the speed or how well you can walk, or how well your arm
and hand are working.

We will look for improvement on a regular basis.
Are there any risks?

You will be assessed to ensure that FES will be a suitable treatment for you before
any treatment starts.

Stimulation causes a tingling ‘pins and needles’ sensation to the skin. Most people
do not find FES uncomfortable, however if this happens it will be stopped.

Very occasionally people find the electrodes irritate their skin and if this happens we
will stop the treatment.

Very rarely stimulation can increase tightness within the muscle, if this happens
your treatment will be stopped.

You will be carefully assessed for any of these signs at the beginning of your course
of treatment.
Contact Numbers
Name of therapist: ……………………………………………………………………
Contact telephone number: …………………………………………………………
FES - Functional Electrical Stimulation - Use following Stroke
Page 3 of 4
Comments, Compliments or Complaints
The Patient Relations/Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Department provides
confidential on the spot advice, information and support to patients, relatives, friends and
carers.
Contact Us
Tel: 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm)
The Patient Relations/PALS Manager
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan WN1 2NN
Ask 3 Questions
Become more involved in decisions about your healthcare. You may
be asked to make choices about your treatment. To begin with, try to
make sure you get the answers to three key questions:
1. What are my options?
2. What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right
for me?
This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, Braille and other languages upon request.
For more information call 01942 773106.
© Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the copyright owner
FES - Functional Electrical Stimulation - Use following Stroke
Page 4 of 4