Functional Electrical Stimulation, or FES for short, is a very powerful tool in the hands of a capable therapist but is sadly still poorly understood and less often seen in clinical practice than it deserves. I think there are a number of reasons for this.
The first problem is perhaps the fact that using electrical energy for therapeutic effect has a long and sometimes colourful history. This may have led to the whole idea of using electricity as being associated with “quackery”.

Another problem has perhaps been the fact that FES requires some technical as well as clinical know-how. It should be obvious that the nature and form of the electrical energy should be well understood as this is necessary for safe and effective application. This is not helped by the fact that there is no consistent use of terminology and practical guidance is often lacking about evidence supporting it’s use.

When you have lower limb limb paralysis or weakness it is understandable to feel nervous when a product aims to stand you up. Understanding how the Tek RMD supports the user in standing or whilst moving up and down despite paralysis can act as reassurance and eliminate anxiety.

The Tek RMD is a unique product to help persons with leg paralysis or difficulty to stand and move. Some clients have found this really life-changing but of course not everyone will be able to use this product. In this article we are looking at the Tek RMD from Matia Mobility - what it is, who it is for and some aspects of living with the product.

What does a patient want from rehabilitation technology? What do they need? What do they expect? What do they actually receive, and from whom? You might think that these are easy questions to answer; surely patients want technology that helps them recover with as little risk and cost as possible. Are they getting it?

Technology promises to bring a revolution to rehabilitation. What do therapist’s want? We are arguing that technology can enhance the role of the therapist and should take advantage of human skills rather than seek to replace them.

Working in rehabilitation can be extremely rewarding. Especially when we see clients with a catastrophic injury getting their lives back on track with the help of products and services we provide. But we learned long ago that technology or products alone are not a ‘magic potion’ - they are often important but need to be considered as just part of the solution.