ARC-EX Electrical Stimulation Technology
After a spinal cord injury in your neck, it can be difficult to move your hands and arms or feel sensation the way you once did. At Brooks Rehabilitation, we use ARC-EX, a noninvasive spinal cord stimulation system, to help improve strength, sensation and function during therapy.
What Is ARC-EX spinal cord stimulation therapy?
ARC-EX is a noninvasive therapy that delivers electrical stimulation (e-stim) to the spinal cord through the skin. Electrodes are placed on the back of your neck and upper body to send targeted signals to the cervical spinal cord. Unlike traditional e-stim, which activates individual muscles, ARC-EX works on the spinal cord. This helps improve communication between your brain and your body, supporting more natural movement.
When combined with other therapy, this approach helps your nervous system adapt and form new connections — a process known as neuroplasticity.
Who ARC-EX therapy helps
ARC-EX is designed for people living with a cervical spinal cord injury. The cervical spine is the part of your spine inside your neck. It helps you move your head and sends signals between your brain and the rest of your body.
Therapists typically use ARC-EX for adults who are at least one year post-injury. Your care team will determine if this therapy is appropriate for you.
ARC-EX technology may help individuals who have a cervical spine injury and:
- Are working to improve hand and arm function
- Experience reduced strength or sensation in the upper extremities
- Have an incomplete spinal cord injury between the C2 and C8 vertebrae
- Want to improve independence in performing daily activities
How ARC-EX therapy works
During therapy, electrodes are placed on your skin near the cervical spine. These electrodes deliver gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord. Instead of directly causing muscles to contract, the e-stim helps your spinal cord respond more effectively. This allows signals from your brain to reach your arms and hands more easily as you move.
You will then practice functional tasks, such as reaching, grasping or manipulating objects, while the e-stim is active. Over time, this combination of stimulation and task-based practice can help improve strength, coordination and control.
Key benefits of ARC-EX therapy
ARC-EX focuses on improving the function of the nervous system. In clinical studies, many participants experienced meaningful improvements in strength, function and quality of life — even years after injury.
ARC-EX therapy can help:
- Enhance your ability to perform daily activities
- Improve hand and arm strength
- Increase sensation in the upper extremities
- Promote long-term neurological recovery
- Support better coordination and control
What to expect with ARC-EX therapy
Before your session, your therapist will place electrodes on your neck and upper body and explain the activity. You may feel a mild tingling sensation from the e-stim. Many people describe it as noticeable but comfortable.
Your therapist will guide each session and adjust the stimulation and activities based on your progress and goals.
During therapy, you may:
- Perform functional movements related to daily activities
- Practice reaching, grasping or releasing objects
- Repeat exercises designed to improve control and strength
- Work on hand and arm coordination tasks
How Brooks supports your recovery with ARC-EX therapy
At Brooks, ARC-EX is part of a specialized approach to spinal cord injury recovery. Combining spinal cord stimulation with guided therapy can support meaningful progress, even long after injury. Your care is designed to help you improve hand and arm function to support daily activities and independence.
When you come to Brooks for ARC-EX therapy, our dedicated team:
- Customizes your unique therapy plan: Therapists tailor your care to your injury, goals and progress.
- Focuses on real-life movement: You practice tasks that support independence at home and in your daily routine.
- Supports steady progress over time: Our therapy helps you build strength, coordination and control, step by step.
- Tracks meaningful improvements: We monitor changes in how well you function and adjust your plan as you improve.
- Uses advanced spinal cord stimulation: Therapists use specialized ARC-EX technology to help improve communication between your brain and body.
FAQs about ARC-EX therapy
Watch our video about ARC-EX therapy and how it works or review frequently asked questions below.
What is ARC-EX therapy used for?
ARC-EX is used to improve hand and arm function in people with cervical spinal cord injuries. It helps increase strength, sensation and control.
How is ARC-EX different from electrical muscle stimulation?
ARC-EX stimulates the spinal cord, not individual muscles. This helps improve communication between the brain and body rather than directly causing muscle contractions.
Does ARC-EX require surgery?
No. ARC-EX is a noninvasive system. The stimulation is delivered through electrodes placed on the skin.
Who is a good candidate for ARC-EX therapy?
ARC-EX is typically recommended for people with incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries. We often recommend beginning ARC-EX therapy at least one year after injury. Your therapist will determine if this therapy is appropriate for your care plan.
Where is ARC-EX therapy available?
ARC-EX is available at Brooks Neuro Recovery Center. In order to use the technology, a patient will need to first receive a referral from a physician at the Brooks Medical Group.
Getting started at Brooks Rehabilitation
To learn more about how to receive care at Brooks and our technology-assisted rehabilitation.