Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, or NMES, is a treatment method that helps strengthen the patient’s muscular system and improves his or her control of the swallow.
Who needs NMES therapy?
NMES therapy is used to treat individuals diagnosed with dysphagia − a swallowing disorder that causes the patient to have difficulty swallowing. Individuals with dysphagia may be treated with swallowing exercises in addition to NMES therapy. Some common symptoms of dysphagia include:
- Coughing during and/or after swallowing
- Choking on food or liquid
- Feeling like food and/or lump is stuck in your throat
- Pain while swallowing
- Onset of pneumonia of unknown origin
How is NMES therapy different than traditional swallowing therapy?
Conventional swallowing therapy focuses on improving the strength and coordination of muscles used for swallowing by using specific exercises and techniques. This therapy may also focus on compensatory strategies to assist with a safe swallow, such as head/body positioning, bite size and diet textures. At the same time, NMES therapy is used to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing.
How does NMES therapy work?
Electrodes are applied externally to the skin to deliver a small, calibrated current to the motor nerves of the patient’s throat. While the electrodes are on the skin, the patient practices swallowing exercises. The application of the electrodes makes muscle fibers contract during the exercises, which can help a patient recover swallowing function faster.
Does NMES therapy hurt?
Patients undergoing NMES therapy may feel a slight tingle and/or tightness during treatment. However, the treatment is safe, non-invasive and painless. Also, there are different levels of electrode intensity, and the patient is able to determine the intensity level during treatment.
Who can provide NMES therapy services?
NMES therapy can be provided by EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine speech-language pathologists.
EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine experts and specialties
The therapists and specialists of Northern Arizona Healthcare’s EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine department have the education and hands-on experience required to provide comprehensive, individualized treatment plans and therapies.
Each specific type of therapy − occupational, physical, hand and speech − is considered a specialty, and plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. The EntireCare team functions as a cohesive unit, where all members share information and knowledge. The ultimate goal is the patient’s improvement and return to the highest possible functioning level. Choosing EntireCare means patients also have access to a myriad of additional services, such as advanced facilities, technology and equipment.
To make an appointment at one of EntireCare’s Flagstaff locations, call 928-773-2125.
- Flagstaff Medical Center: 1215 N. Beaver St. The outpatient therapy center includes a large exercise gym; private rooms for hand, wound, speech therapy, electrical stimulation and other treatments; an above-ground therapeutic pool; group exercise classes; and more.
- East Flagstaff: 7810 N. Hwy. 89, Ste. 280 (in the Elden Ridge Business Centre next to Subway). Full-time physical therapists provide comprehensive treatment options in a state-of-the-art facility. The clinic offers both private treatment rooms and a gym-like area for patients to work one-on-one with therapists.
By Kim Allen, M.S., CCC-SLP
Kim Allen, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the lead speech-language pathologist with Northern Arizona Healthcare’s EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine in Flagstaff. She specializes in voice and swallowing conditions and her treatment philosophy is to educate, motivate and provide the patient with the tools for recovery.
Marlee Binder, B.S., also contributed to this article. She is a speech therapy student who is doing her clinical training through EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine.
Northern Arizona Healthcare is creating healthier communities by providing wellness, prevention and medical care through Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center – Sedona Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare – Camp Verde Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group – Flagstaff, Verde Valley Medical Clinic, the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, Northern Arizona Healthcare Orthopedic Surgery Center, EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine, the Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Clinic, the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona – Cottonwood, the Sleep Center, Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport. We also provide comprehensive imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services throughout the region. Many of the services we provide receive major funding through the NAH Foundation, including Fit Kids of Arizona, The Taylor House and Valley View Care.
For more information on Northern Arizona Healthcare programs and services, visit NAHealth.com. “Like” NAH at Facebook.com/NorthernArizonaHealthcare.
