Hello parents! This blog is all about dysphagia and one of the most effective treatments for that—VitalStim therapy.
But, the question often comes to the mind of parents, when do children need it? Well, if you see, your little one struggles to swallow even soft food, or often chokes, coughs or lingers food in their mouth for too long, you should consult a certified therapist first.
There is no doubt that watching your child struggle with simple tasks such as swallowing is a heart-wrenching experience. Eating, drinking, and swallowing—all are basic functions. But, this is often disrupted because of dysphagia. This condition is caused by developmental delays, neurological conditions, or even after-effects of medical treatments.
There are certain types of therapy and feeding strategies that help children with the condition. But, sometimes the progress feels too slow, which leaves families searching for something other and effective treatment options.
And, VitalStim therapy here benefits a lot.
Understanding Electrical Stimulation First
So, what is electrical stimulation therapy? Here, small, controlled electrical currents are used to stimulate specific muscles. When it comes to swallowing therapy, it targets the specific muscles in the neck and throat. Because their particular muscles are responsible for swallowing.
For some children, these muscles are weak or uncoordinated. That’s why swallowing becomes very difficult or even dangerous. The electrical stimulation helps “wake up” those muscles while also making them stronger and more responsive.
VitalStim Therapy and How Does It Work?
VitalStim therapy is a specialized form of the above-mentioned electrical muscle stimulation therapy. This is specifically designed for swallowing disorders. The good part is that it is an FDA-approved method. This method pairs electrical stimulation with active swallowing exercises.
Here’s how it works:
Electrodes are first placed on the neck of the child to deliver gentle pulses to the swallowing muscles.
At the same time, a trained therapist guides the child through swallowing tasks. This creates a powerful feedback loop. Here, the muscles get stimulated and trained at the same time. So, as a result, it improves both strength and coordination.
Don’t worry, this process is completely non-invasive and usually well-tolerated by children. Many parents are relieved to see that this therapy has nothing to do with pain, needles, or medication.
The Result of Repetition and Neural Rewiring
Vital stimulation therapy for swallowing actually helps the brain relearn the techniques on how to swallow properly. There are many children who have developmental delays or neurological challenges and because of that, their brain-muscle communication might be disrupted.
But, with repeated sessions, the therapy encourages the brain’s ability to form new connections. So, with continuous effort and time, the child’s body begins to remember how to swallow correctly. This habit gradually became natural again.
Is It Safe? And Does It Really Help?
Yes, rightfully so. No doubt, parents want assurance that the therapy their child will undergo is safe or not.
Vital stimulation therapy has been used by many certified practitioners for thousands of cases across the world and is supported by clinical studies.
This therapy is performed under the guidance of a certified professional. It is considered safe for both children and adults.
There are many noticeable improvements that families have observed with this therapy. Results may differ, but numerous families have reported positive changes in:
- Less coughing or choking during meals
- Less reliance on feeding tubes
- Enhanced capacity to manage varied food textures
- A less stressful and more pleasant mealtime experience
Final Words
If you need the best child therapy for swallowing problems, just search no further than Hope AMC. We are the leading pediatric rehabilitation facility in the UAE.
We are proud of having the most experienced and board – certified feeding therapists who specialise in offering vital stimulation therapy. And, we offer custom therapy treatment, after assessing the condition, difficulty level of the child and everything else.
For more information, visit our website now! Or, directly book a consultation today!