Helping your loved one regain confidence at mealtimes
Dysphagia can affect a loved one’s quality of life. Here is how VitalStim® Therapy can help.
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It affects over 15 million people, especially those recovering from stroke, surgery, or neurodegenerative diseases.
It can profoundly affect your loved one’s quality of life. Mealtimes can become stressful and even dangerous, with risks like aspiration, pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration.
VitalStim Therapy is a safe, FDA-cleared option that helps people regain confidence, safety, and independence when swallowing.
How VitalStim® Therapy works
VitalStim Therapy uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to activate and retrain the muscles responsible for swallowing. This non-invasive therapy is combined with targeted exercises, helping your loved one make measurable progress in fewer sessions.
Improves swallowing function through muscle strengthening.
Speeds recovery when paired with targeted exercises.
Reduces the risk of aspiration by supporting safe swallowing.
Restores confidence at mealtime.
Key benefits for your loved one
Safer swallowing
With a lower risk of aspiration.
Faster recovery
Than traditional therapy alone.
More independence
And enjoyment during meals.
Time together
A chance to reconnect with family over shared meals.
Testimonials
Listen to real therapists talk about the successes they have had with their patients.
Looking for information about children?
VitalStim Therapy is also used with infants and children, including babies in the NICU.
Talk with a current VitalStim provider
If you or someone you love is having trouble swallowing, the next step is a conversation with a speech-language pathologist or doctor. The VitalStim Provider Registry lists therapists who offer this therapy and keep their VitalStim training current, so you can feel confident in the provider you choose.