General
Ask your patient to visit our information page, request an information pack here, have a look at patient FAQ page or watch some FES users’ videos.
We provide FES treatments with OML devices at our clinic in Salisbury or via our OML clinics around the UK. Explore the location of our clinics.
All referrals need to be made directly to OML using the attached form
We have not had any reported problems with using FES on the lower limbs for clients with implanted baclofen pumps, however as with all implanted devices we advise that clinicians should seek advice from the manufacture of the implanted device or ask the team who reviews the implanted device to perform tests to demonstrate that FES is safe with the device in situ.
Yes of course! Click here.
FES devices should only be set up by clinicians who have been trained in their use.
All information on OML FES training courses can be found here
The best way to keep up to date with our developments is through this website.
We will publish details of new products when they are available.
OML patients may also be informed at their clinic appointment or by letter.
Clinicians can sign-up to our newsletter which includes our latest product developments.
Please see our article on referral criteria and contraindications.
Read the information about how to become a FES practitioner and OML FES training courses
Product related
The manufacturer claims that the electrodes are good for about 30 applications. So using the stimulator every day means you should get about 1 months use.
After using the electrodes we advise to wet the electrodes a little, before putting them back on the ‘ON’ side of the plastic and sealing them in the original packaging or an airtight container.
Footswitches are supplied with double sided adhesive tape on each side.
Remove the plastic cover to expose the adhesive and attached to the underside of a cork or solid foam insole.
We do not recommend soft foam insoles as these tend to move within the shoe.
If the switch is not fully secure, additional adhesive tape can be used.
For more information, see below:
In our clinical experience most patients can use FES regularly without any problems with their skin. A small number of patients (about 2%) can have some skin irritation problems. In order to avoid skin problems beneath the electrodes it s good practice to educate your patients in how to look after their skin and electrodes as follows:
Skin
- Keep skin clean
- Do not shave the skin. Excess hair can be trimmed with scissors or a beard trimmer.
- Avoid long hot baths using bubble bath, try using soap free cleansers
- If moisturising apply at night and wipe off in morning
Electrodes
- Use electrodes as recommended by OML
- Clean electrodes with water after each use
- Replace electrodes, approx. every month
If you feel your patients are particularly at risk of skin irritation, try setting them up with symmetrical waveforrm. This reduces the concentration of stimulation over the active electrode and can help with skin problems.
For further information on skin irritation advice click on links below:
A small number of patients can suffer from irritation beneath the electrodes.
Prevention of skin problems is better than cure, please read “How do I prevent my patient from getting skin irritation?”
If skin irritation does occur, we recommend these treatments:
- Discontinue stimulation at that electrode site until the skin has healed, try moving the electrodes to avoid the skin irritation and consider a different electrode position.
- Use Eumovate cream for one week which can be bought “over the counter”.
- If problem continues seek medical advice, as a cream with a stronger steroid content may be required.
- Change to symmetrical waveform.
- Change to blue pals electrodes, if not already using them.
- Consider referral to a Dermatologist if skin irritation persists.
Please also refer to previous FAQ “How do I prevent my patient from getting skin irritation?”.
For further information or advice for patients on managing skin irritation click on link below:
Our stimulators do not require any regular servicing or calibration.
They have a two year manufacturer’s warranty and should be returned to us for repair if a problem occurs.
If a stimulator becomes faulty due to damage by the user, we will charge for any repairs required.
The LINQ and insoles have a one year manufacturing warranty.
Before sending in your device for repair, check fault finding section in the manual. This may help you identify what the problem is and possible solutions for the problem. If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, please send the device (remove batteries) back to us or your local distributor, placing it securely in a padded envelope or similar protective packaging. Please include any electrode or footswitch leads and footswitch.
Please include a written note describing the problem and remember to include your contact details and the name of the clinic you received the stimulator from. If the device is out of its warranty period, we will contact you and advise you of the cost of the repair.
OML Leg cuff
The leg cuff is intended to improve the convenience of using the ODFS Pace (XL). This device is a semi ridged band that fits around the leg. Its inner surface is Velcro receptive and is used to carry Velcro backed electrodes. The ODFS Pace (XL) can be carried on the outside of the cuff. The cuff can make putting on and taking off of the system quicker and easier and can aid electrode placement accuracy for some FES users.
OML LINQ
This is a small radio link that can be used to replace the footswitch lead. The small pebble shaped module can be clipped to the shoe or warn tucked in to the sock. The LINQ requires that and ODFS Pace is upgraded to an ODFS Pace XL and this is possible for newer versions of the ODFS Pace only.
OML Remote
This device is a remote-control unit for the ODFS Pace XL. The device allows the user to start and stop stimulation, adjust the intensity and change between walking and exercise mode. It also enables two ODFS Pace to be controlled by one footswitch connected to an OML LINQ for applications such as bilateral dropped foot or dropped foot with an additional muscle to control the hip or knee.
https://odstockmedical.com/products/oml-remote/
Other accessories
OML stock a large range of electrode and footswitch leads, footswitches of different lengths and electrodes. Please see a product section.