VitalStim Plus Electrotherapy System

A VitalStim Therapy program is typically administered 3 to 5 days per week for one hour. Most patients can expect their VitalStim Therapy program to last one month. VitalStim electrodes are attached to the neck. Once turned on, the VitalStim device provides stimulation to the target muscles. The therapist coaches the patient through active swallowing exercises such as “Swallow hard, swallow fast” and “swallow in a single contraction”. Electrical stimulation is used to aid muscle strengthening to rehabilitate the swallow. The sensory stimulation that is provided also helps muscle recruitment and swallowing function. The interactive therapy of the VitalStim allows patients to receive visual and audible feedback, leading to enhanced patient engagement during swallowing exercises.