Vital Stim Neuromuscular Stimulation
Regaining the ability to eat and drink safely is a major milestone in your recovery. We use advanced VitalStim technology to strengthen muscles and restore your swallowing function.
A specialized approach to swallowing recovery
The ability to swallow is something most of us do thousands of times a day without a second thought. However, when a medical condition causes difficulty swallowing, also called dysphagia, it can impact your nutrition, your social life, and your overall safety.
At Reid Health, we offer VitalStim therapy, a breakthrough dysphagia treatment that helps retrain the muscles used for swallowing. This noninvasive therapy uses electrical stimulation to help you move closer to your goal of eating and drinking with ease and independence.
How VitalStim treatment works
At Reid Health, our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) — commonly known as VitalStim therapy — to help you recover from swallowing disorders. NMES is a specialized treatment that uses a mild electrical current to stimulate the nerves and muscles in the throat. This stimulation causes the muscles to contract, helping retrain them to work correctly during swallowing.
A combined approach to recovery
VitalStim is not a standalone treatment; rather, it is used in direct combination with traditional swallowing exercises. During a session, the SLP places small, specially designed electrodes on your neck. While the NMES technology provides a targeted workout by stimulating muscle contractions, you simultaneously perform specific swallowing techniques and exercises.
This dual approach allows the brain and muscles to work together more effectively. By strengthening the muscles while practicing real-world swallowing movements, you often see faster improvements in your ability to eat and drink safely.
Who is a good candidate for VitalStim?
Many people with dysphagia can benefit from VitalStim therapy. Our speech pathologists often recommend it as a treatment for those managing:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Brain tumors
- Cerebral palsy
- Head and neck cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-polio syndrome
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
What to expect with VitalStim therapy
VitalStim therapy is delivered by our speech pathologists. They'll work with you and your referring provider to schedule tests you may need to determine if VitalStim is right for you and develop a treatment plan personalized to your needs.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment. Your therapist reviews your history and may perform a swallow study to see exactly which muscles need the most support. This ensures your VitalStim plan is built specifically for your needs.
VitalStim sessions
A typical session lasts about an hour. Once the electrodes are in place, the therapist slowly increases the stimulation until you feel a tugging or pulling sensation. It is not painful, and you’ll remain fully awake and alert. While the stimulation is active, you’ll practice specific swallowing exercises or may try eating different food textures to maximize the benefit.
Progress and results
Most people have a series of treatments over several weeks. Your therapist closely tracks your progress, adjusting your plan as your swallowing becomes stronger and safer.
Common questions about VitalStim
Is VitalStim FDA approved?
Yes, the FDA has cleared VitalStim for the treatment of dysphagia.
Is VitalStim covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most insurance providers, including Medicare, cover this therapy when it is deemed medically necessary as part of a comprehensive speech therapy program.
What are the side effects of VitalStim?
A common side effect is mild skin redness at the electrode sites, which typically resolves shortly after the session.