Thanks for reaching out, Alex.
Sorry to hear about your Mum’s stroke.
There are a variety of different treatment modalities that may be suitable for your mum.
Electrical stimulation is just one of those.
Electrical stimulation is a technique that uses low energy electrical pulses to artificially generate body movements in individuals who have been paralysed due to injury to the central nervous system. It applies small electrical pulses to paralysed muscles to restore or improve their function.
Electrical stimulation may also be considered as an intervention to help prevent muscle contracture, swelling and moderate to severe spasticity.
An assessment by an accredited Occupational Therapists or Physiotherapist is required to determine if electrical stimulation is the most suitable treatment modality for an individual.
There are Indications and contraindications for Electrical stimulation. It is used in accordance with evidence-based practice, to ensure optimal functional outcomes for individuals.
You can find an accredited Occupational Therapist for upper limb treatment using -Occupational Therapy Australia - Find an Occupational Therapist (otaus.com.au) using Neurological condition as the area of practice or speciality.
Another option for your mum may be a referral to a Spasticity clinic, especially if spasticity and contracture are prevalent and pose issues with function, pain and hygiene.
A GP or specialist can refer her the closest clinic to her location.
A spasticity clinic provides comprehensive assessment and long-term management for people with either upper limb or lower limb spasticity as a result of a neurological condition, such as stroke. Treatment includes physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as the use of oral medications for generalised spasticity or botulinum toxin where appropriate.
Make sure you also reach out to your Mum’s GP for a Pain management medication review, and if her nerve pain continues to persist, it may be worth discussing as to whether a referral to a pain management specialist or Chronic pain management clinic is an option.
I hope some of this information helps.
Please reach out or give StrokeLine a call on 1800787653 MON- FRI (AEST) if you have any further questions.
Alicia ( Strokeline)
