XCite Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy
After an injury or neurological condition, your muscles may feel weak or harder to control. At Brooks Rehabilitation, we use Xcite, a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system, to help activate your muscles and support movement during therapy.
What is Xcite functional electrical stimulation therapy?
Xcite is a therapy system that uses gentle electrical stimulation (e-stim) to activate muscles while you perform everyday movements. Small electrodes are placed on your skin to deliver controlled signals that cause specific muscles to contract.
Unlike basic e-stim, Xcite uses task-based programs. These programs coordinate multiple muscle groups in a sequence. This allows you to practice real-world movements with guided support. For example, you may practice reaching for a cup or opening your hand while the system helps activate the muscles needed for that movement. Over time, this can help improve strength and coordination during daily activities.
Who Xcite helps
Because Xcite supports both movement and strength, it may be used at different stages of recovery. It helps people who have neurological conditions or who are experiencing muscle weakness, limited movement or difficulty with daily activities due to:
- Amputation
- Automobile accident injuries that impact the central nervous system
- Brain injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Multiple trauma recovery
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
How Xcite therapy works
During therapy, your therapist places electrodes on specific areas of your body. These electrodes send signals to activate targeted muscles. The stimulation is timed to match the movement you are practicing. For example, your muscles may activate as you reach, grasp or step.
Your therapist guides you as you work through each movement. This coordinated approach helps retrain movement patterns and improve muscle control over time.
Key benefits of Xcite therapy
Xcite combines movement practice with muscle activation. This helps your muscles respond more effectively during everyday movements.
Xcite therapy can help:
- Activate muscles that are weak or difficult to control
- Improve strength and coordination
- Increase range of motion
- Promote consistent, task-based practice
- Support relearning of everyday movements
What to expect with Xcite therapy
Before your session, your therapist places electrodes on the areas being treated and explains the activity. We adjust the intensity, as needed, to keep you comfortable.
During therapy, you may:
- Feel a mild tingling or pulsing sensation as the stimulation activates your muscles
- Perform guided exercises with timed muscle stimulation
- Practice reaching, grasping or releasing objects
- Repeat functional tasks to build strength and control
- Work on movements such as standing, stepping or moving from one position to another
How Brooks supports your recovery with Xcite therapy
At Brooks, your care is designed to help you rebuild strength and movement through targeted, task-based therapy. Rehabilitative technology like Xcite allows us to activate certain muscles while you practice meaningful activities. Our goal is to help your muscles and nervous system work together more effectively so you can move with greater confidence.
When you come to Brooks, you’ll find a team that:
- Combines muscle activation with real-world movement: We use Xcite during tasks like reaching, standing and stepping.
- Customizes your therapy plan: Your therapist adjusts stimulation and exercises based on your progress.
- Focuses on everyday function: We help you practice movements that support daily activities.
- Supports consistent, repetitive training: Our structured programs reinforce movement patterns over time.
- Tracks measurable progress: Your care team monitors improvements in strength and control.
FAQs about Xcite therapy
Who is a good candidate for Xcite therapy?
You may benefit from Xcite if you have muscle weakness or difficulty with movement due to an injury or neurological condition. Your therapist will determine if the therapy is appropriate for your care plan.
What does an Xcite session feel like?
During therapy, you perform guided movements while electrical stimulation activates your muscles. You may feel a mild tingling sensation as the system works.
Where is Xcite therapy available?
Xcite may be available in both inpatient and outpatient settings, depending on your treatment plan. Availability may vary by location.
Getting started at Brooks Rehabilitation
To learn more about our technology-assisted rehabilitation, reach out to us below.