Unlocking Movement After Spinal Cord Injury: A Look at Onward Medical’s ARC-EX Device

Aug 5

ARC-EX spinal cord injury, electrical stimulation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can dramatically change a person’s ability to move, feel, and function. But thanks to breakthrough technology, hope is no longer just an abstract idea it’s becoming tangible. One of the most exciting innovations leading this change is the ARC-EX™ system by ONWARD Medical.

What Is the ARC-EX™ Device?

The ARC-EX™ is a non-invasive spinal cord stimulation system designed to help individuals regain upper limb movement after spinal cord injury. Unlike implanted devices, ARC-EX uses electrodes placed on the skin. This means no surgery is required, to stimulate the spinal cord and activate neural pathways that may have been damaged or dormant.

In simple terms: ARC-EX helps the brain and body "reconnect," even after paralysis.

How Does It Work?

ARC-EX uses a form of transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). Electrodes are placed on the skin over the spinal cord, delivering mild electrical pulses to targeted areas.

Here’s what happens:

The electrical stimulation activates spinal circuits responsible for arm and hand movement.
This allows for improved voluntary control over these muscles during rehabilitation.
The therapy is often paired with activity-based training, enhancing neuroplasticity and functional gains.

Who Is It For?

ARC-EX is primarily designed for people with:

Chronic spinal cord injuries (more than one year post-injury)
Cervical spinal cord injuries impacting arm and hand function
Incomplete or complete SCI, although individual results may vary

It’s particularly promising for those who still have some preserved sensory function below the level of injury. Currently, its FDA approved for persons with cervical level spinal cord injuries. Research is being done on people with thoracic and lumbar injuries.

Clinical Results: Does It Really Work?

Yes!! And the evidence is growing.

ONWARD’s Up-LIFT clinical trial showed that:

90% of participants experienced improved arm and hand function
Gains were often meaningful, helping people do everyday tasks like grasping, holding utensils, or using a phone
Importantly, the treatment is non-invasive and well-tolerated

These aren’t just numbers. It represent life changing outcomes for people regaining independence in dressing, feeding, or caring for themselves.

Why ARC-EX Matters

For years, people with SCI were told to expect very limited recovery. ARC-EX and other neuromodulation technologies are changing that narrative. This isn’t a cure but it’s a powerful step forward.

By reawakening dormant neural circuits, ARC-EX shows that the spinal cord can be coaxed into cooperation, even years after injury.

ARC-EX represents the kind of innovation we’ve all been waiting for: non-invasive, effective, and rooted in real world outcomes. If you or someone you love is living with a spinal cord injury, devices like ARC-EX could be part of a new chapter—one filled with motion, possibility, and renewed independence.