Say YES to NMES for Dysphagia

Jane Moore - Feeding Hope

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2002508/open_sms] Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Say Yes to NMES"! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of pediatric dysphagia and the incredible impact of NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) therapy on children's feeding challenges. Joining me today is Jane Moore, a veteran pediatric occupational therapist at Beach Kids Therapy Center, who has transformed the lives of countless children through her comprehensive feeding program.  Jane shares her heartwarming journey in the field, starting from her discovery of VitalStim therapy to her mission to bring hope and change to families of children with feeding disorders.  We explore a remarkable success story, a young baby born prematurely with multiple challenges, including Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and silent aspiration. Jane walks us through the therapeutic journey, from early interventions to the triumphant moment of seeing this child celebrate his first birthday with cake. Discover the intricacies of using NMES therapy on tiny patients, breaking myths around the therapy's application on infants, and highlighting the unique communication challenges and successes when working with nonverbal patients. Jane passionately advocates for early intervention and holistic approaches, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of therapists, parents, and healthcare professionals in nurturing these children's holistic well-being. Join us for an inspiring conversation that shines a light on NMES therapy's transformative power, bringing hope and healing to families facing the daunting challenges of pediatric dysphagia. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a parent, or simply curious about this life-changing therapy, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to "Say Yes to NMES" and be a part of this incredible journey of resilience, progress, and hope for children overcoming feeding obstacles. https://www.beachkidstherapy.com/

Nikki Howell - VitalStim critical to helping with patient buy in

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2002508/open_sms] On this episode, I am joined by Nikki Howell.  Nikki is an SLP currently at a small rural hospital but has worked in just about every patient setting.  She talks about several of her patients - one with a more traditional dysphagia challenge and a unique one caused by oral aparaxia.  In both, she talks about the benefit of VitalStim treatment in getting that extra buy in that is so critical in to the success of her treatments. Nikki has also learned and investigated the cognitive impact or fall prevention and the role of the  SLP in that process.  Hear about what she has learned and how you can learn even more from her about it.

Jessica Barron - NMES in the NICU

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2002508/open_sms] On this episode, I am joined by Jessica Barron.  Jessica is an SLP at a Level IV (4) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).   Jessica has used NMES extensively on the kiddos in her unit since getting trained several years ago.  She estimates that 80% of the patients could benefit from NMES use for their swallowing and eating challenges.  Jessica talks about one the many successes she has had using VitalStim - helping a 5 month old with a trach get on the path to successful swallowing and eating. https://www.choc.org/

Janice Osborne Dowdy - He was drowning on his own secretions.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2002508/open_sms] On this episode I’m joined by Janice Osborne Dowdy, MS/CCC-SLP, CBIS - an SLP with NeuroRestorative/Sevita in Ashland, Kentucky.   We discuss a stroke patient of hers who was not progressing with traditional therapy.  He was a practicing attorney who now had a trach, peg tube, and was drowning on his own secretions.  Hear how adding VitalStim therapy first changes his outlook on life and then his future as it soon facilitates his return to his practice.  Janice also talks about the aftereffects of Head and Neck Cancer treatments with regard to dysphasia – sometimes years after the actual occurrence.   We also talk about how important it is for therapists, patients, and families to learn about VitalStim and NMES so that anyone suffering from dysphasia has the chance to receive the best possible treatment regimen for their condition.

Kimberly Gomez - My very first VitalStim patient.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2002508/open_sms] Kimberly Gomez is an SLP and Rehab Director for a SNF/LTC facility in Amarillo, Texas.  Kimberly discusses the success she had with her VERY FIRST VitalStim patient.  A retired chef who had months of traditional therapy but could still not initiate a swallow.  With both he and his wife dealing with serious depression and even saying he would rather die than not be able to eat, Kimberly uses her newly acquired training to get him eating a steak and drinking a beer with his wife.  She also recounts a post COVID patient who had nearly died.  Weak and miserable, Kimberly helps him and his wife get back to their passion of RVing and attending festivals. Amarillo Center for Skilled Care https://amarilloskilledcenter.com/