VitalStim Therapy has been added to the Rehabilitation Program at Kent Hospital as part of its speech and swallowing program. VitalStim is a breakthrough therapeutic treatment offering hope to many patients with dysphagia (problems with swallowing).

VitalStim is a specialized form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), specifically designed to treat dysphagia. Patients with dysphagia are treated by certified speech-language pathologists using multiple treatment options including specific oromotor, facial, and pharyngeal therapeutic exercises, thermal tactile stimulation, and therapeutic diet trials with goals to advance patients to the safest, least restrictive diet.  NMES has a long-term track-record in a variety of therapeutic and rehabilitative settings. VitalStim Therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive external electrical stimulation therapy that re-educates the muscles needed for swallowing. The device is a portable, electrotherapy system that is specifically designed for application to specific targeted muscles to promote swallowing.

“We are excited about VitalStim as an addition to our speech and swallowing program, as it will benefit the many patients who are in need of assistance,” David Kobasa, MS, PT, program director, Kent Hospital Rehabilitation Services said in a statement. “Both our outpatient rehabilitation facility and acute rehabilitation unit at Kent Hospital offer VitalStim promoting this therapy across the continuum of care.”

Kent Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services include a 20-bed inpatient unit, offering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to help patients regain their full potential and independence after injury, stroke, amputation or major illness. Kent Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, located at 1351 South County Trail, Building 2, Suite 200, in East Greenwich, offers a comprehensive program of physical, occupational and speech therapy services.

Kent’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center accepts all insurances and offers convenient scheduling, booking and evaluations within one week.  Call 401-886-4650 for more information about VitalStim or any other services including speech-language pathology, physical therapy and occupational therapy