Print OverviewPeople who have had a spinal cord injury may benefit from functional electrical stimulation (FES) as part of their rehabilitation. This therapy uses computer technology to send low-level electrical impulses to specific muscles in your legs, arms, hands or other areas. Electrodes are placed over the nerves, and stimulate the nerves to allow you to do activities such as walking or riding a stationary bike. The electrical stimulation can cause your muscles to contract, which may promote increased muscle bulk or muscle control. The muscle activity may also help reduce muscle spasms. Functional electrical stimulation may improve your: Range of motion Muscle size and strength Functional use of the hands, arms or legs Blood circulation and heart health Aerobic conditioning and overall fitness Ability to prevent loss of bone density Functional electrical stimulation is often used with other therapy techniques, education and exercise programs. Your therapy goals may include improving how you perform your daily activities and creating a wellness program you can use at home. By Mayo Clinic Staff Functional electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments May 12, 2022 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Functional electrical stimulation. Mayo Clinic; 2022. Johnston TE, et al. Cycling with functional electrical stimulation after spinal cord injury: What's in it for me? Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2015.01.002. Ho CH, et al. Functional electrical stimulation and spinal cord injury. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2014; doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2014.05.001. Embrey DG, et al. Functional electrical stimulation improves quality of life by reducing intermittent claudication. International Journal of Cardiology. 2017; doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.05.097. Provider profile. CARF International. http://www.carf.org/providerProfile.aspx?cid=8020. Accessed March 1, 2022. Related Spinal cord injury News from Mayo Clinic Adapting to life after spinal cord injury with rehab and determination Oct. 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m. CDT Study documents safety, improvements from stem cell therapy after spinal cord injury April 01, 2024, 10:00 a.m. CDT Functional electrical stimulation for spinal cord injuryAboutDoctors&DepartmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20394223 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Functional electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury