Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Also known as: NMES

What is NMES therapy?

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) therapy is a non-invasive treatment for patients who have oral or pharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation help support the swallowing function.

Who recommends and provides NMES therapy?

NMES Therapy is recommended by your child’s speech-language pathologist or physician for use during feeding and swallowing treatment sessions. NMES Therapy is provided by a certified speech-language pathologist.

What do I need to begin NMES therapy?

In order to begin NMES therapy, you must have already had evaluation of swallowing function by either a videofluoroscopy swallow study (VFSS), modified barium swallow study (MBSS), fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and/or salivogram, and NMES therapy has been recommended. Additionally, you'll prescription from a physician for neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

What can you expect from NMES therapy?

  • Treatment sessions will typically last for one hour.
  • Variations in the duration and frequency of the treatment session will occur based on the child’s needs and tolerance.
  • Electrical stimulation will occur for the duration of the treatment session.
  • Feeding and swallowing treatment will occur simultaneously with the electrical stimulation.
  • A Videofluoscopy swallow study (VFSS)/ modified barium swallow study (MBSS), fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and/or salivogram may be repeated at any time during or after the completion of the recommended NMES treatment sessions to assess your child’s progress.

When is NMES therapy completed or discontinued?

NMES Therapy will be completed or discontinued when your child’s speech-language pathologist determines that your child:

  • Has met the goals of their plan of care or meets criteria for discharge.
  • Is not benefiting from therapy as indicated by his/her plan of care goals and/or objectives.
  • Is not showing progress on either a repeat Videofluoscopy swallow study (VFSS)/ modified barium swallow study (MBSS), fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and/or salivogram.

This page was last updated on: June 17, 2026 02:19 PM