Functional Electrical Stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique that causes a muscle to contract through the use of an electrical current. This contraction causes the body part - for example, the ankles, wrists, elbows - to move in a controlled, deliberate fashion. After a stroke, some of these electrical signals do not function as well as they should, causing patients to have trouble walking and coordinating movements. Pain and stiffness can result as well.