Riverside Health is excited to offer integrated functional electric stimulation (iFES) treatment for patients in Williamsburg who are recovering from neurological injury or impairment such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. This innovative treatment, X-cite iFES, provides sequenced electrical stimulation therapy designed to mimic electrical pulses in the body to aid in re-learning basic movements for the arms, legs, trunk and hands after injury.
“In patients recovering from neurological injury, activity repetition plays such a vital part of the re-learning process,” says Shawke Soueidan, M.D., Neurologist with Riverside Neurology Specialists. “The x-Cite iFES system aids in helping re-program the brain to better understand and interpret the electrical signals from the weakened muscle group which in turn helps the body execute the motion.”
IFES offers over 40 pre-programmed functional and dynamic movements and gestures separated into four therapy libraries: hand activities, upper extremity activities, lower extremity activities and general activities. Each library’s activities are designed to mimic everyday motions such as grasping, eating, walking and more to aid in the recovery and re-learning process.
When a particular activity set is chosen, the system sends a sequenced pattern of small electrical pulses through electrodes to assist in the completion of each pattern. X-cite iFES offers on-screen guidance for electrode placement and audio and visual cues for the patient and clinical team.
In addition to the iFES system, the therapists use other tools to encourage rehabilitation progression to the fullest extent while avoiding further injury. “This technology is often used in tandem with the physiogait, a dynamic unweighted system designed for patients to practice balance and control training, motor coordination, gait training and sit-to-stand,” adds Will Parker, Senior Director of Physical Therapy at Riverside. “These technologies when paired together provide accessibility, stability and instill confidence for patients relearning to walk.”
“We are so grateful to have this technology at Riverside to aid in our patients' journey to recovery,” says Karen McPadden, PT, Neurologic Clinical Specialist with Riverside Physical Therapy. “There is no greater joy in knowing that we are making a difference for our patients and their loved ones by helping the patient take steps towards regaining their independence.”
In addition to the new offering at Riverside Physical Therapy in Williamsburg, X-cite iFES is also available at Riverside Physical Therapy Shoreview in Newport News. To learn more about Riverside’s physical therapy services or to find a location near you, please visit riversideonline.com/physicaltherapy.