STIWELL^® for
neural lesions

Benjamin

“I had a road accident in which several nerves were torn in my neck. The nerve centre in my left shoulder was also severely damaged due to a collarbone fracture. I was unable to move my left arm, except for my hand, due to these injuries. The subsequent surgical nerve reconstruction did not improve my mobility. This caused massive muscle atrophy in my left arm and upper body. Months of electrotherapy did not achieve the desired results.

A new therapist made me aware of the STIWELL^® electrical stimulation device. A few weeks of therapy with the STIWELL^® device enabled the massive muscle atrophy to be stopped. STIWELL^®, in combination with regular physiotherapy, slightly strengthened my muscles and improved my posture over the last three years. Furthermore, muscle pain and spasms, which were caused by poor posture of my upper body, were significantly reduced.

After 3 years of electrotherapy with STIWELL^®, I am confident that my state will continue to improve with the help of this device.”

Bettina

“I fell from a horse onto a sharp edge and severed my humerus (subcapital humeral fracture). The surgical treatment involved a "humeral block". Unfortunately, not only the median nerve was damaged (causing a clearly visible "monkey hand"), but also other nerves of the brachial plexus... I just couldn’t lift my arm. It seemed paralysed.

My physiotherapist told me about the STIWELL^® device, which I was then prescribed by the doctor who was treating me in the hospital. I used the device constantly for 2 months. The STlWELL team set it to a special "atrophy" programme, and my physiotherapist explained exactly where I had to place the electrodes in order to stimulate the right muscle groups...

Up until 2 months ago, I couldn’t lift my arm towards the side or towards the front. I was using STIWELL^® daily, and it stimulated my muscles so well that today - 5 months after the accident - I can lift my arm almost as high as before. I'm sure it would not have been possible without STIWELL^®. Thanks so much, dear STIWELL^® team!”

Helga

“Unfortunately, I got a peroneal nerve lesion in my right foot after hip surgery. I actually received electrotherapy, in addition to excellent physiotherapy, the day after surgery. Since I also needed electrotherapy for denervated muscles , in addition to muscle strengthening, for the rehabilitation of my peroneal nerve, I was shown how to use the STIWELL^® device. Thus I was familiar with the handling of this device, and was able to immediately start electrical stimulation on my own at home after my rehabilitation. I've been using the STIWELL^® device daily ever since.

Little by little, some sensitivity gradually returned from my knee down to my toes. The muscle function and my gait have also improved very gradually. My goals were a safe gait and an independent life, which I achieved with the help of physiotherapy and the STIWELL^® device.

I will continue using the STIWELL^® device on a daily basis and hope for a steady improvement. It is also worth mentioning the very competent, extremely reliable, and friendly support by the STIWELL^® team, for which I would like to thank them most sincerely.”

Stefan

Stefan has been suffering from a rare form of lymphoma since he was three years old. He does not receive medical care in a hospital, but at home, where his family looks after him lovingly. Stefan is paralysed from the chest down due to a tumour that presses on his spinal nerves.

Stefan uses STIWELL^® electrotherapy device for his treatment. He has been using the programme for denervated muscles (square pulse and trapezoidal pulse) twice a day with the help of his father. Electrodes are mainly applied to his legs.

With regular use, his father has noticed clear improvements: “My son's legs used to be absolutely motionless, but now I can see how my child can move parts of his leg muscles again.”

Willi

“After a varicose vein operation, I developed a peroneus and tibialis lesion about one year ago (denervated drop foot). Unfortunately, this completely impaired my walking.

The hospital then recommended using STIWELL^® for home therapy. In the first 2-3 months, I could hardly see any improvement, but I did not give up hope and continued using it twice a day, as instructed by my therapist. After 6 long months, I noticed a significant improvement. Today, a year later, I have hardly any problems walking.

I owe this success to the STIWELL^® electrotherapy device. However, I would like to emphasise that I was really persistent and trained twice a day for about a year! I highly recommend this device!”

Simone

“A rare complication of my breast cancer surgery caused a shoulder blade dysfunction of my right arm, which severely affected my daily life. I could only move my lower arm. EMG showed complete denervation with atrophy of the serratus anterior muscle (boxer's muscle), which was why I was advised to start physiotherapy and electrotherapy.

I contacted MED-EL/STIWELL^® and, after therapy and training with their physiotherapist, I obtained a rental device and was able to train twice a day (for 30 minutes each time) at home. I also did many passive stretches and physiotherapy twice a week.

At a follow-up appointment, the programme settings were adjusted to my progress and, 10 weeks after starting electrical stimulation, a follow-up EMG in the hospital confirmed my sense of a significant improvement. I was thrilled!

At another appointment at STIWELL^®, an EMG-triggered programme to help functional improvement was added to the device. My muscles gradually became stronger again, and soon I was able to go back to work and master my everyday life.

I would like to thank MED-EL/STIWELL^® and their physiotherapist for the rental device, and for their competent support.”