Major focus area

Feeding Therapy -> Swallowing

Short description

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation is an adjunctive modality to traditional exercise that unites the power of electrical stimulation with the benefits of swallowing exercises. Combining NMES and traditional therapy allows clinicians to accelerate strengthening, restore function, and help the brain remap the swallow. Research has demonstrated that combining these therapies results in better outcomes than using either one alone (Freed, 2001; Carnaby-Mann & Crary, 2007; Blumenfeld, et al., 2006; Shaw, et al., 2007).

Long description

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation is an adjunctive modality to traditional exercise that unites the power of electrical stimulation with the benefits of swallowing exercises. Combining NMES and traditional therapy allows clinicians to accelerate strengthening, restore function, and help the brain remap the swallow. Research has demonstrated that combining these therapies results in better outcomes than using either one alone. The SLP must be trained and certified to provide NMES (Freed, 2001; Carnaby-Mann & Crary, 2007; Blumenfeld, et al., 2006; Shaw, et al., 2007).