Neuromuscular re-education focuses on improving the strength, timing, coordination and force production of muscles affected by injury. Occupational therapists (OTs) at the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care provide therapeutic interventions that are consistent with the latest research evidence. Some examples of equipment utilized by Drake outpatient occupational therapists to improve neuromuscular functioning include:
- Saebo Flex- The Saebo Flex orthosis is a dynamic hand splint used by specially trained OTs to provide upper extremity and hand treatment for patients with neurological impairments resulting from stroke. After customized fitting of the splint to the patient, the therapist guides the patient through multiple exercises to improve arm function. To learn more about this splint visit http://www.saebo.com/. Medicare and most private insurance companies will reimburse a portion of the cost of the Saebo Flex orthosis.
- Upper Tone- The Upper Tone is wheelchair accessible upper extremity weight training equipment. This system is unique in that it allows a person with tetraplegia to exercise independently. Patients are able to perform up to 16 different upper extremity exercises for strengthening and conditioning without assistance. The benefits of a consistent weight training program include maintaining good posture, preventing overuse injuries/tendonitis, and providing a number of other functional benefits including ease of transfers, pressure relief, wheelchair propulsion, driving and other activities of daily living.
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)- NMES is one modality that can help facilitate improved motor control for functional use of the arm and hand. The electrical stimulation helps to generate stronger muscle contractions to allow the patient to use the arm and hand more effectively during functional activities such as grasping and reaching.
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES)– FES can help patients who have had damage to their brain or spinal cord to move more easily. The NESS H200 Hand Rehabilitation System uses low-level electrical stimulation to improve hand function. The light-weight, hand-held control unit uses five surface electrodes, positioned on the forearm and hand to send stimulation to the muscles. When the muscles become stimulated, patients are enabled to grasp, pinch, and release. NESS H200 features seven programs, customized for each individual patient to meet their therapeutic goals.