What is FES?
Who is FES for?
Useful links
What is FES?
The Regional FES Service provides functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices to improve walking for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Our services include patient assessment, set-up and review appointments.
Who is FES for?
The Regional FES Service is for adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who are:
- Able to walk at least 20m without a rest (with or without aids)
- Are at risk of tripping and falling when walking
- Have already seen a physiotherapist for mobility problems
Most people will have already tried ankle splints (orthoses) before they are referred for FES.
This webpage contains general information and common questions regarding the FES service.
Useful Links
Regional Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Service
FES Things to know before your first appointment
Skin and electrode care for FES users
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How does FES work?
In our clinic, we use a small battery powered device called a stimulator. It is about the size of a pack of cards. Two adhesive patches (electrodes) are placed on the skin on your leg – one near your knee, close to the nerve supplying the muscle and one
over the muscle on your shin. Leads connect the electrodes to the stimulator, which is attached to your waistband or kept in your pocket.A specialist physiotherapist will adjust the settings to get a comfortable, effective level of stimulation. Stimulation causes the muscle to work (contract), producing movement and lifting the foot. A foot switch inside your shoe times the start and end of stimulation with every step, making sure the muscle contraction lifts your foot at the right time.
Our FES device will only help your walking when you are wearing it. Some FES users choose to wear it all day. Other people only use it when they go walking outside or for longer distances. FES does not work for everyone. Our physiotherapist can help you decide if it is right for you.
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How easy is it to use?
FES needs a high level of commitment from users to make sure it is set up as well as possible, to learn how to use it, and to care for their body and the device.
FES users must be able to:- Apply the device each day themselves or have assistance
from another person on a regular basis who can apply the
device - Engage with learning and problem solving
- Attend follow-up sessions to check on progress.
- Apply the device each day themselves or have assistance
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Are there any risks or side effects?
FES should not be used by people who:
- Have a cardiac pacemaker
- Have uncontrolled epilepsy
- Are pregnant
There are other reasons why FES may not be suitable. People who are referred for FES will be carefully assessed by a specialist physiotherapist.
There are no known serious side effects. Occasionally, people find that electrodes irritate their skin. Using hypoallergenic electrodes or changing the type of stimulation used can solve the problem. Sometimes, we find that treatment does not help or stimulation isn’t effective. Rarely, we find that stimulation increases muscle
tightness (spasticity) or causes spasms in the leg. In these cases, stimulation will be stopped. -
What happens at the clinic?
At your first appointment, you will see our specialist physiotherapist who will ask you about your medical history and your lifestyle. They will assess your movements and observe you walking.
If FES can help, you will be offered follow-up appointments. These are to set the stimulator up specifically for you and teach you how to use it.
If all goes well, you will be given the device on loan to use at home.
You will need to attend review appointments to measure your progress and for us to check and adjust the stimulator. You will need to come to the clinic at least 6 times in the first year of using the device. After that, at least once a year as long as you are still using the device.
Any equipment you are given by the clinic is on loan to you and remains the property of the FES Service. You must return the device when requested.
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How can I access the service?
Referrals can only be made by:
- Doctors in consultant-led neurology clinics
- MS specialist nurses
- MS specialist physiotherapists
- NHS physiotherapists with expertise in treating neurological conditions.
If your healthcare professional is unsure how to make a referral,
they can contact us at FES@belfasttrust.hscni.net - Where can I get more information?