Swallowing Studies & Therapy

Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat various swallowing issues in infants and children. Some of the leading assessments and treatments for swallowing include:

Oral Pharyngeal Motility Study (OPMS)

An Oral Pharyngeal Motility Study (OPMS) is a live radiographic study that highlights images of structure and function of the mouth and swallowing muscles. An OPMS is conducted when a child has suspected swallowing difficulty (e.g., food or liquid entering a child’s airway when he/she eats). The occupational therapist or the speech-language pathologist collaborates with the radiologist to perform and analyze the study. When the OPMS is completed, the occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist discusses diet recommendations and treatment options with the child’s family.

OPMS Process:

• This study is done in the imaging/radiology center by a team consisting of a radiologist, a speech-language pathologist and/or an occupational therapist.
• The child is given various foods and liquids to eat and drink during the study that are mixed with barium. This allows the foods and liquids to be seen on an x-ray.
• If feeding or swallowing difficulties occur, the OPMS team may adjust foods or positioning to see if the impact can be reduced.
• The recordings are reviewed and diet modifications and treatment recommendations are presented.

VitalStim® Therapy

VitalStim® Therapy is a non-invasive, external electrical stimulation therapy that uses specially designed electrodes applied to the muscles of the throat to promote proper swallowing. VitalStim® is the only neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy that carries FDA clearance for the treatment of dysphagia (swallowing problems) in children.

VitalStim® Treatment Process

• A calibrated current is delivered to the child’s neck through specially designed electrodes.
• Current stimulates motor nerves in the throat while the child practices swallowing exercises.
• Muscles responsible for swallowing contract to improve swallowing function.
• Muscles become re-educated with repeated therapy.
• Patients usually see improvement within the first few sessions.
• Treatment sessions last for one hour and are administered by specially trained speech therapists.