The Rizor Institute specializes in the treatment of chronic and acute pain on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Learn More

  • The VitalStim® Therapy System 

The VitalStim® Therapy System 

The VitalStim® Therapy System involves the administration of small, electrical impulses to the swallowing muscles in the throat through electrodes attached to the skin overlaying the musculature.  Therapists delivering this treatment receive specialized training and credentialing to learn proper technique as well as contraindications.  The therapist determines which musculature would benefit from this facilitation through a patient evaluation.  Once the electrodes are placed and current intensity has been increased to a satisfactory level, the therapist commences traditional exercise therapy with the patient.  The patient exercises the swallowing muscles for periods of up to one hour while receiving concurrent VitalStim.  

The VitalStim® Therapy System equipment and electrodes were specifically developed for the treatment of dysphagia and when applied in this manner, increases muscle strength, and increases the effectiveness of the exercise therapy.

Our VitalStim clinician can give you more information about candidacy for this treatment.  The VitalStim® Therapy System must be prescribed by a physician and can only be administered by a VitalStim-certified therapist.

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