How Long Is the Treatment?

The sessions begin with the electrodes placed on the skin at specific points on the patient’s throat while VitalStim certified speech pathologists perform feeding practice and other exercises.

• Therapy sessions are repeated until the patient’s swallowing patterns have been restored to the desired level.
• Patients frequently see dramatic improvement in six to 20 sessions—sometimes in as little as three days.

In addition to seeing clients in our office, services are extended to clients in their home and in residential communities. To achieve the most effective and lasting swallowing change, individualized plans are developed in collaboration with physicians and caregivers and are in strict compliance with state and federal guidelines. Screening and evaluations are conducted by referral from primary care physicians and allied health professionals. A profile of client swallowing strengths and challenges are reviewed and if swallowing difficulties are identified, our services will be integrated into an overall comprehensive rehabilitation program.