Feeding & Swallowing
We specialize in VitalStim® swallowing therapy.
The VitalStim® Therapy System is an adjunctive modality to traditional exercise that unites the power of electrical stimulation with the benefits of swallowing exercises. Combining VitalStim® and traditional therapy allows clinicians to accelerate strengthening, restore function, and help the brain remap the swallow. Research supports the combination of these therapies to improve treatment outcomes.
We model our feeding program based on the feedback from the feeding studies conducted at the Marcus Institute in Atlanta who is world-renown for break-through treatment of all ages of patients on the spectrum.
Common Dysphagia Symptoms:
- Recurring chest infections
- Difficulty completing a meal
- Difficulty swallowing or initiating a swallow
- Abnormal volitional cough
- Spilling food or liquid from lips and/or drooling
- Decreased voice quality (wet, hoarse, weak)
- Coughing/clearing of throat after swallow
- Swallowing difficulty: multiple swallows or special maneuvers required to clear throat
- Aspiration while drinking or eating
- Feeling of food being stuck in the throat
- Soft diet or modified diet required (thickening, pureeing food; soft solids)
Common Feeding Symptoms:
- Resistance or aversion to new foods
- Resistance to smell and/or texture of foods
- Gagging or purging while attempting new foods
- Pocketing food in the cheek area
- Lack of well-balanced diet