A swallowing disorder can cause challenges when eating or drinking. It can cause the feeling of food stuck in the throat, coughing after swallowing, and choking on food. This disorder is also called Dysphagia and is a major concern among senior adults. The good news is that medical professionals apply VitalStim Therapy to improve swallowing function. Here is everything you should know about VitalStim Therapy.
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What is VitalStim Therapy?
VitalStim Therapy is a painless, non-invasive therapy that uses electrical current to treat Dysphagia. It is the most effective way of treating people experiencing difficulty in swallowing. The electrical currents stimulate muscles in the throat responsible for swallowing, enabling a patient to swallow normally.
The Benefits of VitalStim Therapy
Improves Muscle Stimulation
During therapy, a professional places electrodes on the outside of the patient's neck, which causes contraction of the muscles responsible for swallowing food. The machine produces electrical currents that strengthen the muscles to rehabilitate and swallow. Improved muscle swallowing may require repeated therapy based on the therapist's recommendation.
Relieves Speech Problems
VitalStim Therapy stimulates the muscles in the throat and may relieve speech problems. A therapist may recommend exercises for muscles responsible for swallowing to train them to swallow. The clinician may also recommend compensatory strategies to improve speech and make swallowing easier.
Relieves Underlying Symptoms
Dysphagia disorder may cause pulmonary fibrosis, malnutrition, and pneumonia. These are severe health concerns that can affect the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to manage the symptoms of Dysphagia as soon as possible to avoid further health complications. If left unattended for long, the health complications that come with this disorder may require more complex treatment. VitalStim Therapy helps prevent such conditions and restores the quality of health for senior adults.
Prevents Chocking on Food and Liquids
Dysphagia can cause a patient to aspirate on food or drinks into the lungs. VitalStim Therapy stimulates the muscles responsible for swallowing and helps patients swallow without challenges that could cause other health concerns and death.
If your loved one has difficulty swallowing, it'd be best to seek help from a VitalStim-certified therapist. At Moorings Park Communities, we have a team of well-trained nurses and VitalStim-certified therapists that help patients live their best quality of life via outpatient therapy. Our team has succeeded in helping individuals swallow and improve their nutrition and hydration and achieve personal and medical needs. Contact us to learn more.
