Say YES to NMES for Dysphagia

Craig Mateer

Highlighting the many, many success stories that therapists are having using VitalStim therapy.  Using NMES in the application of dysphagia therapy? Want to share your success story or know someone who does? Contact me!

  1. Feb 3

    “Gobsmacked”: When NMES Rewrites a Child’s Dysphagia Prognosis

    Send a text In this episode of Say Yes to NMES, Craig is joined by Jo Grayson, Speech Pathologist at Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia, who shares one of the most powerful pediatric dysphagia cases she has ever treated. Jo describes working with an infant who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, resulting in severe dysphagia, profound oral aversion, constant secretion management issues, and eventual PEG tube placement. After just nine sessions of NMES (VitalStim), Jo witnessed changes she describes as nothing short of “gobsmacking.” This conversation walks through the clinical decision-making, medical collaboration, and real-life outcomes that transformed a child once expected to be tube-fed long-term into a fully oral eater - able to drink thin liquids, eat family meals, and live without suctioning. This episode is essential listening for therapists, pediatricians, and families who want to understand what may be possible when traditional compensatory approaches are no longer enough. Key Topics Covered Pediatric dysphagia following hypoxic brain injuryThe emotional toll of feeding disorders on familiesSecretion management and aspiration risk in infantsOral aversion after medical trauma and intubationCollaboration with pediatricians, dietitians, and hospitalsWeaning from NG and PEG tubesQuality-of-life outcomes beyond mealtimes (swimming, daycare, social participation)Why This Episode Matters This episode powerfully illustrates that dysphagia is not just about eating—it affects breathing, safety, bonding, independence, recreation, and family life. Jo’s story reinforces that: Even a short, intensive trial can dramatically alter prognosisFamilies deserve to know when a restorative option existsQuality-of-life outcomes often extend far beyond the dining tableNotable Quotes “I was gobsmacked.”“Nine sessions is actually a very small investment of time for something that can change a person’s entire life.”“This isn’t just about mealtimes—it’s about swimming, birthday parties, school, and family life.”“Why not try?”

  2. Jan 21

    Pediatric Dysphagia with NMES: Real-World Success Stories from Australia

    Send a text In this episode of Say Yes to NMES, Craig is joined by Joanna Fyffe, Speech Pathologist at Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia, to explore how neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES / VitalStim) is changing outcomes for children with complex disabilities and severe dysphagia. Joanna shares real clinical cases demonstrating how intensive NMES therapy can dramatically improve secretion management, swallow frequency, hydration, and quality of life—not just for children, but for their families as well. From reducing 24-hour suctioning needs to helping a child avoid feeding-tube surgery altogether, this conversation highlights the broad and often unexpected benefits of NMES across the pediatric population. This episode is essential listening for therapists, clinicians, and families seeking evidence-based, practical insights into dysphagia management beyond traditional feeding goals. Key Topics Covered NMES as a “green-light” intervention for swallowing in cerebral palsy and similar conditionsIntensive NMES delivery models (3×/week for 3 weeks)Managing secretions as a critical dysphagia outcomeReducing aspiration pneumonia riskImproving hydration and oral intakeAvoiding PEG/G-tube placementQuality-of-life impact on families and caregiversMultidisciplinary coordination in pediatric dysphagia careWhy This Episode Matters Dysphagia impacts far more than eating—it affects respiratory health, safety, comfort, social participation, and family stress. This episode demonstrates how NMES can be a powerful tool not only for feeding progression, but for long-term health and quality-of-life outcomes across the lifespan. Notable Quotes “There is now at least one full day a week where she doesn’t need suctioning at all.”“The best exercise for swallowing is swallowing.”“Thickened fluids have a huge correlation with decreased quality of life.”“This therapy impacts the whole family, not just the client.”

  3. 09/06/2025

    Sensory Point Taping, NMES, and Helping Complex Pediatric Patients

    Send a text In this episode of Say Yes to NMES, I sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Harvey, a pediatric physical therapist and movement analysis expert with more than 20 years of experience working with medically complex children and their families. Elizabeth shares how her path led her into oral motor therapy and how she now combines NMES with sensory taping strategies to make a lasting difference in the lives of her patients. We talk about the idea that “sensory drives motor” and how something as simple as a small piece of tape can extend the benefits of NMES well beyond the treatment session. Elizabeth also shares powerful success stories, including how targeting both the core and the oral motor system helped one child move past toe walking, make progress with feeding, and even begin speaking new words. I think you’ll come away inspired by her approach and reminded of how interdisciplinary collaboration—whether PT, OT, or SLP—can bring new tools and new hope for patients and families facing the toughest challenges.

  4. 08/26/2023

    Jane Moore - Feeding Hope

    Send a text 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/

  5. 07/19/2023

    Nikki Howell - VitalStim critical to helping with patient buy in

    Send a text 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.

  6. 05/07/2023

    Jessica Barron - NMES in the NICU

    Send a text 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/

  7. 01/12/2023

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

    Send a text 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.

  8. 10/26/2022

    Kimberly Gomez - My very first VitalStim patient.

    Send a text 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/

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About

Highlighting the many, many success stories that therapists are having using VitalStim therapy.  Using NMES in the application of dysphagia therapy? Want to share your success story or know someone who does? Contact me!

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Mateer
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Say YES to NMES for Dysphagia
  • Show Website
    Say YES to NMES for Dysphagia