Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Indications and Contraindications

Indications

• Movement of constricted muscle and tendon tissue and associated ligaments
• Reduces painful contractions and splintering of muscles as a result of injury (relief of muscle spasms)
• Muscle movement to increase the level of circulation of blood and lymph
• Removal of edema
• Helps break the pain-spasm-pain cycle
• Reduces cross-fibering during healing
• Increases range of motion
• Re-education of muscle
• Strengthening of muscle after injury
• Reverse wasting of muscle (used in EPM rehabilitation)
• May decrease healing time for bone fractures after acute phase
• Assists in readjustment of dislocations
• Healing of wounds

Contraindications

• Cannot be used over:
  • Cardiac pacemakers, electrical implants, metal implants, carotid sinus, epiglottis, abdomen
• Acute injury
  • Diagnostics of the problem must be performed before treatment
• Active bleeding
  • Hemorrhaging may increase with stimulation
• High Fever
  • A secondary problem may exist that needs treatment
• Infection
  • Potential for spreading a localized infection because of increased blood flow
• Blood Clots
  • Therapy may dislodge clots due to increased circulation
• Dislocation
  • Therapy may actually allow desirable readjustment if performed on adjacent sites
• Pregnancy
  • Therapy applied close to uterus may initiate contractions
• Cancer
  • Therapy may break loose bits of cancer and increase spread throughout the body
• Lower motor neuron damage.
  • Polio
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Peripheral nerve injuries (brachial plexus)
  • Muscular dystrophies due to unhealthy muscle tissue.