Discover how FES Bike Therapy at Beyond Physiotherapy in Surrey, Fleetwood, Langley, and Abbotsford helps patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, or MS regain movement, strength, and independence through advanced Functional Electrical Stimulation technology.
Introduction to FES Bike Therapy
Living with a neurological condition or recovering after a serious injury can make even simple movements feel impossible. For many patients, one of the hardest parts of rehabilitation is not being able to move freely or participate actively in therapy.
At Beyond Physiotherapy, we use Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Bike Therapy—a cutting-edge rehabilitation tool that helps restore muscle activity and rebuild the brain-to-muscle connection.
Even if you cannot move your legs voluntarily, the FES bike helps your body pedal and exercise safely by sending small, controlled electrical impulses to your muscles—helping you move, strengthen, and heal.
How Does an FES Bike Work?
At first glance, an FES bike looks similar to a regular stationary bike, but its powerful rehabilitation technology sets it apart.
Step-by-Step Process:
Electrode Placement: Small pads are placed on key muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
Electrical Signals: The bike sends safe, mild impulses to stimulate the muscles—often felt as a gentle tingling.
Muscle Activation: These impulses cause muscle contractions similar to natural movement.
Coordinated Cycling Motion: The bike synchronizes muscle contractions to create a smooth pedaling rhythm.
Personalized Settings: Your physiotherapist adjusts intensity and speed to your comfort and goals.
This innovative process allows even individuals with limited mobility to exercise safely and improve overall health.
Key Benefits of FES Bike Therapy
Prevent muscle atrophy and rebuild strength by keeping inactive muscles active through electrical stimulation.
FES cycling boosts blood flow, helping prevent swelling, blood clots, and skin breakdown.
Regular use promotes neuroplasticity, helping retrain the brain to communicate with muscles after stroke or spinal cord injury.
Active muscle stimulation helps minimize tightness and spasms, improving flexibility and comfort.
Continuous movement supports bone density and joint mobility, preventing contractures and stiffness.
FES cycling provides a low-impact cardio workout that strengthens the heart, lungs, and endurance.
Seeing your legs move again fosters hope, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment.
Regular FES therapy enhances independence, mobility, and confidence—helping patients reclaim daily activities.
FES cycling is beneficial for patients with many neurological and mobility-related conditions, including:
Stroke
Spinal Cord Injury
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Cerebral Palsy
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Peripheral nerve injuries
Even individuals with minimal or no voluntary movement can benefit, since the bike performs the muscle activation.
Example:
A stroke survivor may regain symmetrical strength and mobility, while a spinal cord injury patient can maintain muscle tone and prevent secondary complications such as pressure sores.
What to Expect During an FES Bike Session
Before Your Session
Your physiotherapist will evaluate your condition, medical history, and safety factors to personalize the program.
During the Session
You’ll sit comfortably while electrodes are applied to your legs.
The therapist adjusts settings such as intensity and duration.
The gentle stimulation will trigger muscle contractions and pedaling motion.
Typical sessions last 30–60 minutes and are completely painless.
After the Session
Patients usually feel relaxed and motivated. Over time, consistent sessions lead to improved strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FES Bike Therapy FAQs)
Does FES biking hurt?
No. Most patients describe it as a mild tingling sensation—never painful.
Is FES safe?
Yes. It is a clinically proven, therapist-supervised treatment used in hospitals and rehab centers worldwide.
How often should I do FES biking?
Typically 2–3 sessions per week deliver optimal results, but your physiotherapist will tailor the frequency to your goals.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Be consistent with your sessions
- Communicate feedback with your therapist
- Track small improvements—they add up
- Celebrate progress—it fuels motivation
Why Choose Beyond Physiotherapy for FES Bike Therapy?
At Beyond Physiotherapy, we’re one of the few clinics in Surrey and Fleetwood offering FES Bike Therapy as part of a comprehensive neuro-rehabilitation program.
Our experienced physiotherapists combine advanced technology with evidence-based care to help you:
- Rebuild strength and mobility
- Prevent secondary complications
- Reconnect your brain and muscles
- Regain confidence in movement
We work closely with patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, MS, and other neurological disorders—empowering them to move forward, one pedal at a time.
Conclusion
FES Bike Therapy isn’t just exercise—it’s hope in motion. By combining gentle electrical stimulation with cycling, it helps patients regain movement, rebuild strength, and restore independence.
If you or a loved one is looking for a physiotherapy clinic near you offering advanced rehabilitation technology, contact Beyond Physiotherapy today.
Book Your FES Bike Session
Experience how Functional Electrical Stimulation can help you move forward again.
Visit us at Beyond Physiotherapy – Surrey, Fleetwood, Langley, or Abbotsford