Designed as an adjunct therapy VitalStim® Therapy is a breakthrough therapeutic intervention developed specifically for the treatment of dysphagia, a swallowing disorder affecting more than 15 million people in the US. Added to this, about one million Americans are diagnosed with dysphagia each year. Though dysphagia is not so well known, the disorder often results in serious consequences, thereby, affecting quality of life.

VitalStim is considered to be superior to traditional therapies in the treatment dysphagia. Dysphagia is most common among those who have neurological disorders such as a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS. According to an estimate by the Agency for Health Care Policy (AHCPR), more than 70,000 people in the United States of America die from complications associated with some kind of swallowing disorders.

A patented therapy process and equipment system, it is the only non-invasive Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) therapy and equipment system to be cleared to market by the Food & Drug Administration for use on throat muscles in the treatment of the aforesaid disorder.

That the adjunctive use of this therapy has proved useful in the treatment of dysphasia is backed by comprehensive clinical data, Till now, VitalStim, a leading brand within the Empi Recovery Sciences line of pain management and rehabilitation products, has been used with no reported adverse effects to many patients by VitalStim-trained and certified Speech Language therapists in the New York.

So it can be said with certainty that a lasting solution to the dysphagia disorder has been found in the form of VitalStim. It is of no surprise that it has found favor with the health care professionals in New York.This therapy can be found at several clinics and hospitals in New York. Apart from this, many home care services and private practices also provide this therapy.

Effective for both sexes and all ages, this therapy must be used by the health care professionals only after thorough clinical and instrumental examinations. In Vital Stim therapy electrical current is used to stimulate the motor nerves in the throat. The electrodes which are placed on the anterior portion of the neck, is used to deliver current. As a result muscles responsible for swallowing begin to contract. The repeated administration of this therapy thus increases the quality of the swallowing function.

VitalStim therapy usually is of 60 minutes duration. The therapy is a non-invasive, pain free for the patient. Only a VitalStim-certified therapist, with at least three years' experience treating dysphagia, can administer VitalStim Therapy which must be prescribed by a physician. While administering VitalStim therapy to the patients with cardiac demand pacemakers, the therapist must use caution.

Though VitalStim therapy is considered safe, sometimes skin irritation take place due to the adhesive used to secure the stimulation electrode to the neck.

The article above is part of our website blog and does not represent opinion or advice of Marissa A Barrera and other staff members.