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Functional electrical stimulation

Anybody have any experience with "Functional Electrical Stimulation or FES" for MS? Is it used for weak arms too? I have a huge issue with weak arms from MS and am desperate for something that will help me so I can function better.

  1. Hi MJRmsWARRIOR! That's a good question. While I know members of our community have used FES for mobility issues, I have not been able to find much information on using FES for arms. This is something you could discuss with your physician or with a physical therapist, if you have one. Here is some information on FES from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that you might find helpful -- http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Rehabilitation/Functional-Electrical-Stimulation-(FES). Best of luck and please feel free to come back and update us on what you find out, if you feel comfortable doing so. Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

    1. I am only familiar with TENS machine which is also a nerve stimulation machine. I have used one for years to help with Pain management. This has worked well for me for several years. As I have developed new symptoms I don't find the TENS is working well for me. It is not a cure but usually takes the edge off the pain so I can have a fairly good nights sleep. I still couldn't be without my TENS machine. I have it on FULL power for at least 3hours especially when I have been standing for more than half an hour and the pain is so bad. This doesn't take the arm pain away. I do most of my housework and cooking by pacing myself. Which means taking breaks between each job I do. If I can't manage something I leave it. Will try another day. I cannot do the same level of work I used to do. I have not been diagnosed with MS but I seem to have many of the symptoms expressed on this site. I am going to explore this with my GP soon and hope I do get some results.

      1. Not on any ms meds. But lots of homeopathic meds and just got an omron tens machine. Excited! !

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