One of the most common questions I receive comes from people who've had a denervating injury—whether spinal cord injury, brachial plexus injury, or another peripheral nerve condition—years or even decades ago. They've recently learned that electrical stimulation might help preserve or improve their muscle condition, and they want to know: Is it too late for me?

This is an important question that deserves a thorough answer. The research evidence and my clinical experience both suggest that while earlier is definitely better, "too late" is rarely the correct conclusion. In this article, I'll examine what the evidence actually shows about late intervention, which factors influence outcomes, and how to decide whether it's worth trying in your specific situation.

We don't discuss the technical aspects of stimulation. This has been covered in other articles on this site. Recognise, however, that the stimulation patterns are designed to work directly with the muscle fibre and do not rely on an intact peripheral nerve.

This article offers a detailed guide to adaptive equipment procurement after a spinal cord injury or disability. It emphasises the significance of initial assessment, research, and involving healthcare professionals, family, and caregivers. It also covers vendor reliability, financial aspects, equipment trial, customisation, training, maintenance, reassessment, community support, and embracing new technologies. Overall, the holistic approach aims to ensure a positive outcome for individuals needing adaptive equipment.