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Hi all - have you ever wondered if you can do FES rehab on your weak arm and hand at home, online with your ARNI instructor or therapist? And is it worth it? Well actually, I would say yes it is, especially if your hand is more weak and floppy (flaccidity) than clenched tight (spasticity). The actual difference it makes is this:
FES sends a small current to the nerve that fires a muscle in your weak arm, so when you try to move, your hand or wrist actually completes the movement. So, if your hand barely moves, a rep without FES obvs isn’t really a rep - you try, and not much happens visually - neurologically it's GREAT, but with FES, the hand can actually open when you try, so you get a whole movement to practise completing instead of a 'failed' one. So in VERY basic terms your brain gets the feedback of a full movement paired with you meaning to make it, which is what drives the rewiring.
Again, no one’s yet run a research study/trial of telerehab with FES against telerehab without it, so I really can’t tell you for sure that it beats 'ordinary' upper limb online rehab with a physio or ARNI trainer. BUT the logic, and the older FES evidence both suggest that if your hand is currently too weak to complete the movement on its own, including FES (if you can set it up and adjust it optimally with the help of someone online who will then set you tasks to do etc and monitor you/challenge you while you do them) could well be better than the same without FES, if you see what I mean?
I would say also that there's one big thing - whether you have a presentation of flaccidity and/or spasticity (or often, a mix of both), if you do this AND try every single rep yourself rather than letting the current do the 'opening', then it's much less effective, yes? You trying ultra hard and the current helping/finishing off the movement is optimal.
So is it worth asking your ARNI instructor? Yes.. IF your hand is weak enough that you can’t complete the movements without it, ok?
Were you ever offered FES, at home or in clinic? Did it help? Do you still use it? Ever done TeleFES?! Is that even a thing/word?! Please let me know your experiences in the comments!
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My partner had FES i the early days of his rehab. Then he purchased the saebo stim one. Hes seen improvements in his arm and fingers. Still a long way ro go tho
I've always used the fes on the arm and have videos of it
You can Google pad positions for different movements 👍
I believe arm FES nevermind leg FES in Scotland in particular is rare if at all (without pushing for exception funding). I've just hired a GRIPABLE which I'll probably buy at the end of the period but that's me 2+years in. I did use a Saebo one (I bought it) to help open my fingers out but I don't use the pro Stim for functional work but I think maybe I could?
We would be very interested in this.
I used a FES machine together with a mirror box and have regained full use of my affected hand from only being able to move my thumb and forefinger about 2mm.
It took lots of work and many many repetitions but it worked.
I also self funded to cobble together bits so I believe I have a whole set up at home. Have to re stretch out my hand and arm and get back into it
It isn't often you read much about Sharon Stone's stroke. This article tells you quite a lot about what happened and her r#strokesurvivorscanr#Neuroplasticityp#exerciseafterstrokef#StrokeRehabilitationb#strokerehabt#NeuroRehabn#strokerecoveryk#strokeexercisek#neurorehabilitationb#strokerecoveryexercisesy#strokerehabilationhabilation
Sharon Stone is still adapting 25 years after a stroke
www.brainhealth.com
The actor opens up about the realities of recovery after a life-threatening stroke and why protecting her brain health remains a daily priority.
Retraining the ability to turn: If you walk in one line, at some point you’ve probably got to turn round. This turning point can be an area where a stroke survivor is unsure on their feet, meaning this can also can be a point where a fall could happen. Very simply, the more you walk, the better you should get at coping with unexpected problems faced when walking. But you are still vulnerable when changing direction. Instead of either leaning on something to help yourself turn, or shuffling around, and perhaps taking about 3 or 4 steps with each foot (the two most common strategies I see being used), you should learn how to pivot. Pivoting is the practice of sweeping one foot round and taking it off the floor while keeping the other on the ground as the centre of rotation.
Taken from The Successful Stroke Survivor book by Tom Balchin
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CIMT (constraint induced movement therapy) is a beneficial treatment option to use in conjunction with other rehabilitation. It is useful in that it can be performed at any stage of stroke recovery and it can be performed in any setting after being assessed and the principals of treatment outlined by a therapist. CIMT can be goal directed and patient specific so it focuses on individual patient’s objectives, which can mean that stroke survivors are kept motivated and enthusiastic as they have set their own goals which they want to achieve. However for CIMT to be effective, stroke survivors need to adhere to the duration and frequency of the treatment, to ensure the best chance of neuroplasticity to take place. For neuroplasticity to happen stroke survivors need to be dedicated and positive to the concept and getting family and friends involved seems to be a good way to keep motivation and support ongoing. Regularly recording outcome measures will also show any progress that has been made and can allow the stroke survivor to review their goals and treatment options.
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There are ALWAYS ways for stroke survivors to strength train without needing a gym - ARNI Director Dr Tom shows how its done.
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Remember! A wider stance creates a more stable base while a narrower stance requires more balance.
Call us on 0203 053 0111 or email support@arni.uk.com to see if there's an ARNI Trainer near you who can help you.
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Helen Mlynarska What part of USA are you in?
I wish you had trainer’s in the USA or maybe you do ?
Fatigue is a common effect after stroke that can make life 'challenging'. To help manage it, and still be able to do your rehab exercises, start small and find the right balance of activity and rest that your brain can handle.
www.ar#ARNIstrokerehabt#strokesurvivorse#strokefatigueokefatigue
Stroke clot-removal surgery is now available 24/7 in South Yorkshire for the first time - which is very good news. Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital has extended its mechanical thrombectomy service to run day and night, seven days a week. Btw, it’s the only centre in South Yorkshire offering the procedure, and one of 24 across England...
Were YOU or a family member treated with thrombectomy?? Please let us know - and how was your recovery afterwards? Let me know in the comments below...
Until now the Sheffield service ran in normal working hours only; around 200 patients were treated that way in 2025. The overnight extension has already treated patients who’d previously have missed the time window, including a 91-year-old whose procedure was done at 2.30am; she was back on the stroke unit in Doncaster hours later. Another is is Kevin Collins, 60, from Doncaster, who had a stroke at home in April last year; collapsed, awake but unable to speak or move. He was scanned at Doncaster, found to have a large clot, and transferred to Sheffield for the procedure. In his words: “I was on the edge of death and then I was back to normal. Mechanical thrombectomy saved my life..."
How it works is that patients identified as suitable at Doncaster and Chesterfield are transferred urgently to Sheffield, then are returned to their local hospital within 24 hours for ongoing recovery.
Were you or a family member treated with thrombectomy? Please let us know - and how was your recovery afterwards? Let me know in the comments below...
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#ARNIStrokeRehab #StrokeRecovery #Thrombectomy #ActFAST #Stroke
Yes, even 2½ years after a hemorrhagic stroke followed by an ischemic stroke, despite right-hand paralysis and right-foot drop, the brain can still reorganize and improve movement through neuroplasticity and specialized rehabilitation, PARALYSIS HAND &FOOT DROP RIGHT SIDE, IT CAN BE HEALED???after two years and half.
I had a mechanical thrombectomy in 2015 in James Cook Hospital, amazing procedure.
Yes a relative of mine aged 80 had one 8 weeks ago and is walking round unadded. Still needs some language rewiring but that’s going good and just balance work but good going just 8 weeks ago. Was at aintree walton centre
My partner had this in Sheffield Hallamshire April 26 left with left side hemiplegia
I had one 3 years ago about 2-3 hours after stroke and in the late evening hours. It saved my life. Regained speech and movement and able to return to my normal life within a few months of recovery ❤️🩹
I didn’t have a thrombectomy but had THROMBOLYSIS at RHH almost 4 years ago. The magic medicine was magic for me. No physical damage but still have balance, memory and fatigue issues.
My dad was put in a coma transferred from Doncaster to Sheffield Hallamshire for this procedure went in through his wrist removed the clot from his brain saved his life after 9 days in hospital thankfully he now shows no physical "typical"stroke symptoms
My husband had thrombectomy at queens med in Nottingham in August so lucky. He is doing well although having speech therapy at home.
Had it done after a long haul flight AKL-FRA- I was close to the time limit but they tried therer best for me- and I recovered with physio, rehab and speech therapy beginning the next day - amazingly well!!
It definitely gave me a 2nd chance!!
I had it done in Germany
Husband had a mechanical thrombectomy in January 2025. Saved his life and gave him the best possible outcome in terms of recovery. People meet him now and they would never know. He still battles neurofatigue which is debilitating at times but when we remember what the alternative could have been we are incredibly grateful ❤️🩹
I had a mt and ended up having a craniotomy due to having a brain bleed
I had a mechanical thrombectomy when I had my stroke two years ago, at the age of 24. I was transferred from my local A&E to the RVI in Newcastle. It absolutely saved my life, if I didn’t have that thrombectomy I don’t think I would be here today. I’ve almost completely recovered as well, which is (again) something that all of us still can’t believe. Newcastle will finally be able to offer thrombectomy treatment 24/7 by the end of the year, but the fact it still isn’t yet is so disheartening. So many people are potentially missing the chance that I had, that helped me get back to my life 😞
Missed the clot buster time limit
Can this be done the next day?
I had a thrombectomy at the RVI Newcastle December 2023. This is why I made a good recovery as I was given every chance possible so grateful to our NHS.
Hi Craig I'm betty oconnells daughter would love to chat with you I hoping to get to leic tom is ill but still going strong 85 In Dec I've just come out of rbh strangulated henia !! I am going to sue accidently cut 6cm of my bladder gosh I've been in pain for 4 wks catheter drain etc but hey ho got a terrific no win no claim lawyer I would love to talk I had a heart attack 10 years ago and obviously terrified of having a stroke give my love to all the family joanne
Amazing ❤️
Had it done in June. Back at Rotherham General 2 days later x
Professor Angus daglish very good information
I had a stroke 3 years ago at 56 but no clear diagnosis as to cause which leaves me feeling it could happen again. For a heart condition there’s MRI and/or angiogram but nothing it seems similar for a stroke
Fantastic.....still nothing in Scotland AT ALL 🧠
Had mt Plymouth 5/23, fully recovered. Miracle and staff A1.
I had a thrombectomy in January 2025 im trying hard to revocover but still have issues with my left side recovery
Unfortunately didn’t work for me they couldn’t remove the Clot.
Dr Tom's getting ready for his weight training session: are you getting ready for training this afternoon or evening? Tell us what you're going to get up to! Is it task-training or strength training on the menu? 😉
www.a#ARNIstrokerehabt#strokesurvivorscanr#StrengthTrainingt#strokeexercisek#strokerecoveryk#StrokeRehabilitationb#strokerecoveryexercisesy#exerciseafterstrokefterstroke
Thanks for inspiring, Tom! I look forward to the day I'm cleared to lift weights again and try to inspire others in the same way! Writing this from my indoor bike 🫡❤️
I had a great first strength session back in the gym this morning after hurting my lower back. Nearly had a 3 month break & felt fantastic to be back training 🙌🏽
I did my Reach class with LEGS - lots of shoulder and scapular work today!
NEW! GET YOUR COPY OF NEW BOOK BY TOM BALCHIN LEARN HOW TO RECOVER OPTIMALLY
CLICK HERE
Whether you had your stroke a week or 20 years ago, this seriously practical book reveals everything you need to know about for real-life, evidence-based long-term recovery from limitations caused by stroke, that you can actually understand, use and apply successfully for yourself. With 244 pages of new information and material, it’s stacked with revelations for you based on the neuro-rehabilitation evidence-base.
The ARNI Blog
-
‘TeleFES’ for Upper Limb Stroke Rehab? Why Not Try It?
October 23, 2026
-
Retraining The Brain’s Sense Of Upright After Stroke
October 17, 2026
-
How AI’s Changing The Speed Of Stroke Diagnosis
October 5, 2026
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New! 24/7 Stroke Thrombectomy Service in South Yorkshire
September 24, 2026
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