Muscle atrophy, the wasting away of muscle tissue, is a significant and often debilitating consequence of nerve damage or spinal cord injury. A proactive approach using forms of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) offers a powerful alternative: stopping muscle atrophy before it even begins and preserving tissue health for the long term.

When a spinal cord injury causes lower limb paralysis, for example, the leg muscles can no longer be exercised and strengthened through conventional methods, affecting muscle mass, circulation, and more. In many of these cases, approaches such as FES Cycling might help, and we'll mention this in more detail below.

If the injury affects the "lower motor neurons," this loss of muscle mass can be particularly profound. In this case the nature of the damage to the nervous system results in "denervation" which means that over time, muscle is gradually replaced by fibrous tissue, collagen, and fat. In these cases, a more specialised form of FES can be used to restore muscle bulk and tissue quality.

Home-based functional electrical stimulation (hbFES) is revolutionizing the treatment of complete lower motor neuron denervation injuries. Once considered an inevitable path to muscle deterioration, new research and clinical evidence show that properly timed and calibrated electrical stimulation can not only preserve muscle tissue but actually promote structural recovery. At Anatomical Concepts, we work with the RISE Stimulator from Schuhfried Medizintechnik GmbH, enabling clients to take control of their rehabilitation journey from home. This innovative approach has demonstrated remarkable results, including significant increases in muscle cross-sectional area and force output, challenging long-held assumptions about the irreversibility of denervation effects.

In this article we look at how we deal with enquiries about the RISE Stimulator. This product is used to treat muscle denervation using a unique electrical stimulation device. Clients may have experienced a spinal cord injury affecting the lower motor neuorons or they may have a peripheral nerve injury.

In all cases, all parties need to know whether the product is likely to be safe and effective to use. Here we look at an ideal situation where complete information is available.

Consider this scenario: You're curious about the RISE Stimulator because you've heard it's effective for treating denervated muscles and you want to learn more.

It's evening, our office is closed, and you don't feel like sifting through numerous web pages to find the information you need. Would you trust a chatbot to provide the answers you're looking for?

Try out our chat bot and let us know what you think

In six, succinct, Thursday lunchtime sessions, we will explore how electrical stimulation techniques can enhance the well-being of individuals with denervated muscles. Whether caused by peripheral nerve injuries or lower motor neuron damage in the spinal cord, forms of electrical stimulation can reverse some of the physiological consequences of denervation.

At Anatomical Concepts, we specialise in treating denervation - a condition where muscles lose their nerve supply. This can result from peripheral nerve injuries or certain spinal cord injuries affecting lower motor neurons. Untreated denervation leads to muscle atrophy, weakening muscles, and reduced ability to contract. However, RISE Stimulator, a device we use, can effectively treat denervation. By transmitting electrical signals directly to the muscle fibers, it bypasses the damaged nerve, preventing atrophy and muscle structural changes. This treatment method can normalize muscle tissue and increase muscle bulk over time. It's best to start soon after injury but can also help those with long-term injuries.