Physiotherapy Edmonton
Bioness H200
Bioness H200
The Bioness H200 is a ground-breaking rehabilitation device that restores hand function and improves quality of life for those who have hand paralysis or weakness that is a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or spinal cord injury. At In Step, we integrate physiotherapy with the Bioness H200 to help you strengthen muscles and enhance ability to perform daily activities. Our experienced physiotherapists are committed to delivering personalized and effective care suited specifically to your needs.
What is the Bioness H200?
Bioness H200 at In Step
In Edmonton, In Step is an official dealer of Bioness H200. We use a comprehensive approach to get the most out of the Bioness H200 program. Through detailed assessment, targeted exercises, and therapeutic techniques, our physiotherapists can guide you toward better independence with this hand rehabilitation system.
Initial assessment
- Physical examination: To evaluate hand strength, range of motion, and overall function.
- Functional assessment: To understand how your hand limitations affect daily activities.
- Goal setting: To establish realistic and personalized rehabilitation goals.
Conditions That Bioness H200 Can Help With
Stroke
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI can result in impaired hand movement and muscle strength, leading to difficulties with basic hand movements. TBI often causes disruptions in brain-to-muscle communication, slowing the recovery of hand coordination. The extent of hand impairment depends on the injury's severity and the brain areas affected.
Spinal cord injury
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy causes muscle stiffness and limited range of motion in the hand, making fine motor skills challenging. Leading to fluctuating levels of spasticity and weakness in the hand throughout the day. Early intervention and consistent therapy are crucial for managing symptoms effectively.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Radial nerve palsy
How Bioness H200 Works
The Bioness H200 uses functional electrical stimulation (FES), a technique that activates muscles to restore function in people with nerve damage or neurological conditions. This device sends low frequency electrical signals to the nerves that control the hand and forearm muscles. These signals mimic the natural impulses sent from the brain, prompting the muscles to contract and move.
The design of the Bioness H200 is specifically fitted around the wrist and hand to maintain the position of the hand for stimulation. Since controlled electrical currents are applied to the device, certain muscle regions are stimulated, and the user is expected to mimic the function repetitively. These movements give time for the muscles to be built back up, coordination to be regained, and for flexible use of the hand and fingers.
It may be argued that one of the biggest strengths of the Bioness H200 is the neuroplasticity of the mechanisms at work in the brain. Neuroplasticity, on the other hand, is the brain’s inherent capacity to reorganize itself and change the structure of neurons in a manner that creates new neural connections. The device helps in creating a link between the brain and the muscles and then strengthens the same by regular use.
With the regular use of Bioness H200, individuals can regain control of voluntary hand movements as the brain relearns how to communicate effectively with the hand muscles. This hand rehabilitation system also ensures that stimulation is focused on the required muscle groups, preventing unnecessary strain and promoting more natural hand movements.
Benefits of Bioness H200
Improved hand function:
Restored independence:
Non-invasive treatment:
Customized care:
Integrating Bioness H200 into Your Daily Routine
At In Step, we understand that it will take time for our patients to adjust to a hand rehabilitation system like the Bioness H200, and we are here to help. This is mostly because we provide practical support to guarantee that the equipment is utilized effectively.
Key support steps include:
- Proper device usage: Guidance on wearing, adjusting, and removing the device
- Maintenance tips: Detailed instructions on keeping the device and electrodes in optimal condition
- Practical advice: Suggestions on how to integrate the device into daily activities like gripping and writing, eating, or performing other chores that need fine motor skills.
We collaborate closely with you to ensure that the device becomes an important tool in your rehabilitation, eventually restoring your capacity to execute these duties independently.
We adopt a tailored approach to recovery since everyone’s path is unique. We monitor your progress on a regular basis and change your therapy plan as needed. Whether we need to adjust the stimulation intensity or the device’s fit, we make certain that the Bioness H200 continues to suit your rehabilitation goals. Our objective is to increase your comfort and trust in the device so that it becomes a regular component of your recuperation.
Take The First Step Toward Recovery with In Step
Do not let hand paralysis or weakness limit your life. Take your first step toward recovery by scheduling an initial consultation with our experienced physiotherapists. If you have any queries or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call.
Bioness H200 Rehabilitation Support
Giri Srinivasan
Registered Physiotherapist and Owner & CEO of In Step Physical Therapy
Giri is a certified Bioness H200 clinician with over 25 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation. He can support individuals using the Bioness H200 to improve upper-limb movement, function, and participation in daily activities.
Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the assessment, your physiotherapist evaluates hand strength, range of motion, and overall function to confirm that the H200’s electrical stimulation can reach and activate the relevant muscle groups. Patients with complete peripheral nerve damage rather than upper motor neuron injury may not respond to FES and would be directed toward alternative treatments.
Yes. The H200 is available in both left and right configurations and is fitted specifically to the affected hand. At In Step, the physiotherapist determines which hand requires treatment and selects the appropriate device during the initial assessment.
Yes. The H200 is designed for both clinic and home use. In Step provides guidance on how to fit, operate, and adjust the device independently so patients can continue their hand rehabilitation program at home between sessions, extending the neurological rehabilitation benefits of treatment beyond the clinic.
The H200 stimulates up to five muscle groups in the forearm and hand simultaneously. At In Step, the physiotherapist programs the stimulation intensity and parameters specific to your hand function and rehabilitation goals, and adjusts these settings over time as your hand strength and voluntary control improve.
The stimulation is described as a tingling or gentle pulsing sensation that causes the hand muscles to contract. It is not painful. The intensity is set by your physiotherapist to a level that produces visible hand movement while remaining comfortable and is adjusted if the sensation becomes too strong or the muscles feel fatigued.
Session duration and frequency depend on your condition and rehabilitation stage. At In Step, your physiotherapist sets a specific program typically including both active exercise-mode training and a passive stimulation mode for home use. Consistent daily use is generally recommended to support neuroplastic changes and reinforce learning between sessions.
For most patients, the H200 is a rehabilitation tool used during the recovery phase rather than a permanent assistive device. The goal is to use electrical stimulation to retrain the brain-to-hand connection so that voluntary hand movement improves. Depending on recovery progress, the device may eventually be reduced or stopped. Some patients with permanent neurological impairment may benefit from longer-term use.
Progress is monitored at each physiotherapy visit. If stimulation parameters, exercise intensity, or the rehabilitation approach need to be changed, your physiotherapist adjusts the program. If the H200 is not producing the expected response, the clinical team reviews whether a different strategy is appropriate for your rehabilitation goals.
Yes. At In Step, the H200 is integrated into a broader hand rehabilitation program that may also include manual therapy, range of motion exercises, functional task training, and strengthening work. The device is one component of a coordinated treatment plan, not a standalone solution.
Coverage varies by plan. Some extended health benefit plans may cover functional electrical stimulation devices or the physiotherapy sessions in which the H200 is used. If your hand condition is related to a workplace injury or motor vehicle accident, WCB or MVA coverage may also apply. In Step’s team can help guide you on what to confirm with your insurer before starting treatment.
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- Address - 10667 113 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3H6
- Phone - (587) 409-1754
- Email - info@instepphysio.ca
- Business Hours - Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
- Business Hours - Sat: 8 am – 4 pm