Neurotherapists: Stop shouldering the blame. It’s time to rethink electrode placement for treating subluxation.

Henry Hoffman
Thursday, April 28th, 2022


Shoulder subluxation, defined as a partial or incomplete dislocation that usually stems from changes in the mechanical integrity of the joint (muscles, tendons, ligaments) is a common issue with hemiplegic stroke survivors. There are several protocols for treating subluxation, such as electrical stimulation, but it’s often done improperly due to misconceptions about what’s considered β€œstandard practice.” 

Studies suggest that the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles are the primary muscles to target when using electrical stimulation. Contrary to popular belief, this may not be the case. This blog aims to revisit what we already know about subluxation and proximal migration and challenge traditional beliefs many of us have embraced throughout our careers.Β 

Let’s dive into when to use electrical stimulation and what the optimal muscles are for targeting.Β 

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How to Treat FootΒ Drop with Electrical Stimulation

Henry Hoffman
Thursday, August 20th, 2020
Last modified on September 6th, 2022


foot drop treatment with estim

What is Foot Drop?

Foot drop, also known as dropped foot or drop foot, is the inability to raise the front part of the foot up toward the shin. This happens due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot (National Institute of Neurological Disorders). Patients who suffer from foot drop often scuff their toes along the ground; they may also bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual or swing their leg out to the side to avoid hitting their toes on the ground. Electrical stimulation has been proven to help patients manage symptoms associated with foot drop.

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A Guide to Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Stroke Patients

Henry Hoffman
Thursday, July 16th, 2020
Last modified on May 15th, 2023


In simple terms, electrical stimulation is the sending of electrical impulses to generate a muscle contraction. This is usually done via surface electrodes stuck to the skin over the target area. The muscle contraction may be very small to help with pain or sensation, or it may be large enough to produce a visible movement at a joint.

Following a stroke or other neurological injury, you may be left with muscle weakness or complete loss of movement (sometimes called hemiplegia). You may also experience a sudden inability to perform everyday tasks, sensory loss, pain, or a combination of these symptoms.

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SaeboStim Micro Commonly Asked Questions [VIDEO]

Henry Hoffman
Thursday, April 2nd, 2020
Last modified on September 6th, 2022


SaeboStim Micro

Questions about the SaeboStim Micro?

Check out the video below to learn more about this popular sensory electrical stimulation device. In this video, Saebo’s Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Scott Thompson addresses some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients, including:

Why is my hand not moving when I put on the device?

When can I expect results?

Why can’t I feel the SaeboStim Micro at its highest setting?

Can I combine the SaeboStim Micro and the SaeboStretch?

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It’s a movement under my own power!

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020
Last modified on October 20th, 2021


SaeboStim Go

I feel compelled to share my win with you today! After my injury, I never really expected to get much movement back in my shoulder. I haven’t been able to get so much as a twitch. However, by using the SaeboStim One, I am now getting a tiny bit of voluntary movement. It is a pathetic movement, but it is a movement under my power!

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I can see excellent benefits and results in terms of returned sensation, overall safety, and function.

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019
Last modified on May 15th, 2020


As a therapist, I have struggled with treating sensory loss for many years.Β Β  I have found there to be limited treatment options available, and those that are available have limited effectiveness.Β Β  I have recently begun trialing theΒ SaeboStim Micro to assist with recovery from sensory loss and am thoroughly impressed with the results!

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The SaeboStim Micro has been a wonderful success already!

Thursday, January 31st, 2019
Last modified on December 29th, 2019


Five months post-stroke, my husband had still been having hand spasms, always when he yawned, but at other times as well. He spent a lot of time with his hand on a heating pad. After only a couple nights of using the P2 mode of the SaeboStim Micro, he was surprised to find he no longer had the spasms when yawning, and very few during the day. We are hoping for more improvement as time goes by, but the SaeboStim Micro has been a wonderful success already!

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After witnessing the progress and gains made using this device, I don’t know if I can use traditional NMES!

Thursday, December 20th, 2018
Last modified on June 20th, 2022


Saebo Myotrac Infiniti

I recently demoed the Saebo MyoTrac Infiniti on a patient who suffered a stroke in June 2018. He has been suffering from right shoulder pain, limiting his range of motion and overall function. The patient demonstrates difficulty activating his scapular depressors and retractors during functional movement patterns. Additionally, the patient was reporting significant pain with 8/10 consistently with movement and 6/10 at rest.

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How to Improve Hand Function in a Flaccid Hand in 5 Easy Steps

Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, May 9th, 2018
Last modified on September 2nd, 2022


Very often, limbs of the upper and lower body are affected following a stroke or neurological incident. For example, little or no hand function could be a symptom of the incident. Without the proper attention and therapeutic intervention, the body slowly loses muscle strength, and function is lost.  Many people are left with minimal hand function, and some with limp hands (flaccid). So what is there to do?

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Important Facts Of The First Stage Of Stroke Recovery

Henry Hoffman
Monday, April 16th, 2018
Last modified on July 27th, 2022


Important-Facts-Of-The-First-Stage-of-Stroke-Recovery-blog

Every stroke is different, and every patient’s stroke recovery experience is, too. Just as your symptoms depend on the severity of the stroke and treatment you received, your ability to regain certain functions and work toward recovery will also depend on a variety of different physical factors. However, it helps to know a little more about what to expect in the days and weeks ahead.

You’ve learned about the different stages of stroke recovery, but in order to simplify this experience and improve recovery odds, it’s important to understand more about each stage. If a patient or loved one has recently experienced a stroke and lost motor control on one side of their body, they’re probably in Stage 1 of their recovery process.

But what exactly does “Stage 1” mean, and how can patients and their caregivers navigate this first chapter of the journey toward recovery? Let’s start by breaking down the nature of this first stage. After you understand the basics of your Stage 1 progress, start applying some of the most helpful recovery techniques to reach the second stage.

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