FAQs

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FES is low-level electrical stimulation used to restore or improve a muscle’s function as treatment for an injury or neurological condition. FES produces movements or functions that mimic the user’s natural voluntary actions.

The brain sends electrical signals through the nervous system to tell the body how to move. When injury or disease disrupts communication between the brain and the lower extremities, muscle weakness or paralysis may result.

Sometimes, a muscle and its nerve supply remain healthy but communication from the brain cannot occur due to a central nervous system problem. In these cases, FES may replace the natural electrical signals from the brain and help the affected body part move again.

Programs customized for a patient’s specific needs and rehabilitation goals may help the person perform daily activities and also reeducate the muscles over time.1-3

FES may improve voluntary movement in the affected limb. It may also reeducate the muscles of the affected limb, preventing muscle loss (atrophy), improving local blood flow; and helping to maintain or increase joint range of motion.

You may be a candidate for FES if you have paralysis or paresis due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, or incomplete spinal cord injury. If you may be a candidate for FES, speak with your healthcare provider.

A number of factors affect the potential benefit of FES for an individual, such as the nature and severity of the paralysis/paresis; length of time since the injury occurred or the condition developed; and the frequency of FES treatments.

FES should not hurt. Most users describe FES as causing a tingly sensation. The first step in FES treatment is for the provider to determine the appropriate level of stimulation needed and then gradually increase the intensity over time.

Factors that may affect the FES treatment experience include: the size and position of the FES electrodes; the type of pulse administered; the muscle group stimulated; and the stimulation intensity.

Many patients can start FES almost immediately after injury or diagnosis. Clinical studies show that early use of FES may have the best results for functional recovery.4-8However, FES may offer significant improvements even for patients affected by illness or injury for more than a year before starting FES treatment.9

Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any kind of rehabilitation therapy.

Your healthcare provider will determine how long you should continue FES treatment.

The H200 Wireless is a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system that stimulates nerves and muscles to improve hand function. Customizable programs may help users perform daily activities and reeducate muscles over time.1-3

The H200 Wireless can activate three key muscle groups that enable important hand movements: extensors (for opening the hand), flexors (for grasping), and thenar (for pinching).

The system has two components: a lightweight orthosis that fits over the hand and forearm, and a small control unit that wirelessly synchronizes electrical pulses delivered by electrodes in the orthosis. A clinician custom fits the orthosis and sets up the control unit with a therapy program for the user. After the initial fitting, the user can put on the orthosis and use the system as needed to perform activities.

For more information about the H200 Wireless, watch this video

No, the H200 Wireless may be helpful for patients with paralysis or paresis due to stroke, incomplete spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, or central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

No. However, your healthcare provider will determine if the H200 Wireless is appropriate for you.

To get the H200 Wireless for home use, you need a prescription for therapy, and you must be evaluated by a specially trained healthcare provider. If those steps are successful, you will complete a Patient Forms Packet, which includes:

  • Letter of medical necessity and device prescription
  • Checklist for custom fitting
  • Release of patient and insurance information

In addition to the prescription for therapy, you also will need a prescription for the H200 Wireless.

We can help you through every step of this process. For information, see “Is the H200 Wireless Right for Me?” or contact us by:

Use of the H200 Wireless in a clinic setting is billed by your healthcare professional and may be covered if the treatment is medically necessary.

Your insurance plan may cover all or a portion of the cost of an H200 Wireless system for home use. Check with your health plan for benefit information.

Yes. To have a representative contact you, please complete this form or call 800-211-9136, option 2.

Is the H200 right for me?

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Are you interested in the H200? The H200 Wireless helps people who have disorders of the central nervous system that result in functional deficits and impairments of the arms and hands. Find out if the H200 is right for you.

Contact us to schedule a demo with H200 Wireless or if you have questions about other Bioness products.

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Indications for Use:
The H200 Wireless System is an electrical stimulation device indicated for the following uses:

  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
  • Improvement of hand function and active range of motion in patients with hemiplegia due to stroke or upper limb paralysis due to C5 spinal cord injury.
  • NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
  • Maintenance and/or increase of hand range of motion; Prevention and/or retardation of disuse atrophy; Increase in local blood circulation; Reduction of muscle spasm; Re-education of muscles.

H200 Wireless is contraindicated in patients with a demand-type cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator or any electrical implant. Do not use the system on a hand where metallic implant is directly underneath the electrodes, a cancerous lesion is present or suspected, or on a hand with regional disorder (e.g., fracture or dislocation) which could be adversely affected by motion from the stimulation. Use caution in patients with diagnosed or suspected cardiac problems or epilepsy.

Full prescribing information can be found in product labeling or at www.bionessrehab.com/h200/safety-information/.

Instructions for Use / Patient Guides and Reference Cards can be made available upon request.
Contact [email protected] or 800-211-9136 to request an electronic copy.