Types of Physiotherapy - Functional Electrical Stimulation

Functional Electrical Stimulation (F.E.S)

This kind of physiotherapy treatment involves use of low frequency cureent. Electrical stimulation is used to activate and train a muscle, which has lost its action or in training a muscle which has lost or 'forgotten' its action after an injury / surgery.

Types

Modified Galvanic Current

In this treatment method the duration of current flow is long and continuous.

1. Time duration - 10 - 200 milliseconds
2. Frequency - 50 - 100 pulses/sec.
3. Used in cases of severe nerve damage

Surged Faradic Current

1. Shorter duration and intermittent flow of current
2. Time duration - .01-1 millisecond
3. Frequency - 50 cycles per/sec. Used in cases of partial nerve damage or nerve compression

Where useful?

1. All Nerve injuries (like Radial nerve Injury of the arm or hand)
2. Muscle weakness (To activate the muscle)
3. Facial nerve Injury

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Where should it not be used?

Individuals who have

1. Recent cuts
2. Open wounds
3. Unhealed scars
4. Recent fracture
5. Metal plate fixation in their Body
6. Skin infections
7. Recent surgery