Frequently asked questions
Let’s try to answer your questions.
The therapy
What is VitalStim® Therapy, and how does it work?
VitalStim Therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). It uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to target and re-educate the throat muscles involved in swallowing. Combined with traditional swallowing therapy, it helps patients regain safe and effective swallowing and improves quality of life.
Who can benefit from VitalStim Therapy?
VitalStim Therapy is a good fit for people with swallowing difficulties due to:
- Stroke recovery.
- Neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson’s and ALS.
- Head and neck cancer (post-radiation or surgery).
- Reconditioning from age or illness.
It is suitable for both adults and children with dysphagia.
How is VitalStim Therapy different from other dysphagia treatments?
VitalStim pairs traditional therapy with targeted electrical stimulation that strengthens the swallowing muscles. Instead of working on technique alone, it re-educates the muscles to improve coordination and safety when swallowing, which produces faster and more consistent results.
Safety and results
Is VitalStim Therapy safe?
Yes. VitalStim Therapy is FDA-cleared and supported by clinical research, and it has been shown to be safe and effective when given by a trained clinician. Patients typically feel no pain during treatment because the electrical stimulation is mild.
How long does it take to see results with VitalStim?
Results are often achieved in 6 to 20 treatment sessions, depending on the severity of the dysphagia and the individual patient’s needs. Most patients show measurable improvement in swallowing safety, such as lower aspiration risk and better diet consistency.
What are the benefits compared to conventional therapy alone?
VitalStim Therapy builds on traditional therapy by:
- Speeding up recovery.
- Improving muscle strength and coordination.
- Reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
- Restoring confidence at mealtimes.
A clinical study showed that 91.5% of patients achieved success when VitalStim was combined with traditional therapy.
Sessions and coverage
What can I expect during a VitalStim Therapy session?
Small electrodes are placed on the outside of the throat and deliver mild electrical stimulation to the targeted swallowing muscles. The clinician guides the patient through swallowing exercises to retrain muscle function. Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes and are painless.
Is VitalStim Therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance provider and individual plan. Many insurers cover swallowing therapy as part of rehabilitative care. We recommend checking with your insurer and discussing options with your clinician.
Providers and referrals
How can I find a trained VitalStim provider near me?
Search the VitalStim Provider Registry, which is updated regularly and receives over 2,000 searches per month. Use the Find a Provider link on this site, or contact us directly for help.
What qualifications do VitalStim providers have?
All VitalStim providers must complete an FDA-compliant, accredited NMES course for dysphagia treatment through CIAO Seminars. Providers receive advanced training, a Specialty Certificate, and access to ongoing education and resources that support high-quality care.
How can healthcare providers or facilities implement VitalStim Therapy?
Facilities can improve patient care by training clinicians through CIAO Seminars, the only accredited NMES dysphagia course. Benefits include better patient outcomes, higher therapy success rates, and access to a network of trained providers. To learn more, visit the Future Providers page or contact us.
How do I refer a patient for VitalStim Therapy?
Referring a patient is simple:
- Find a provider in the Provider Registry on this site.
- Discuss the patient’s dysphagia and goals with the provider.
- Work with the therapy team to track progress and outcomes.