VitalStim® Therapy Certification Course Overview

This dynamic and innovative program is revolutionizing dysphagia therapy! This energetic certification course will focus on topics such as muscle physiology, kinesiology of the swallowing mechanism and on pathological swallowing mechanisms and processes. The basic principles and concepts of neuromuscular electrical stimulation will be taught and the VitalStim® Therapy protocol will be extensively reviewed and practiced. The participants will receive one-on-one attention from two instructors, a certified SLP and a PT. Through extensive hands-on labs, attendees will apply the theory of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the treatment of dysphagia. This exclusive program will provide participants with the building blocks to implement a successful VitalStim® Therapy program and will add value to therapists, facilities, and most of all patient care!

NOTE:  Successful completion of the pre-requisite online “MBS: The Clear Picture” and this 2-day VitalStimÒ Therapy Certification Course will certify the participant to utilize VitalStimÒ technology in the treatment of dysphagia.

ü       Successful completion of online anatomy and MBS review course (Refer to Advertisement of Rehabmatters on 25 July)

ü       Prior knowledge and experience in dysphagia management

 Certification to provide VitalStimÒ Therapy will be awarded to those who:

ü       Complete the written post-test.

ü       Demonstrate the accurate practical application of VitalStimÒ Therapy.

ü       Provide full payment for the course.

 NOTE: If these criteria are not met at the course, additional opportunities to successfully complete the certification process will be available. 

 1.       Name the anatomical structures relevant to the swallowing function;

2.       Palpate the structures mentioned under objective 1 that are accessible to palpation

3.       Describe the various phases of the normal swallowing movement

4.       Describe the neuro-physiological processes involved in normal swallowing, neural pathways controlling swallowing, positive and negative feedback occurring during swallowing;

5.       Discuss the psychological aspects involved with and their impact on swallowing

6.       Describe the main pathological conditions affecting the swallowing function in both the adult and pediatric population

7.       Interpret the results of a modified barium study

8.       Categorize the swallowing disorder based on the result of the evaluation

9.       Describe the characteristics of electrical stimulation and the influence of electricity on muscle tissue

10.   Identify the pathological conditions for which electrical stimulation is indicated

11.   Describe the characteristics of the VitalStim® Therapy electrical stimulation unit and the electrodes used

12.   Discuss and demonstrate the application of VitalStim® Therapy technology in the treatment of dysphagia

13.   Discuss and demonstrate the use of swallowing exercise during and after the application of VitalStim® technology

14.   Discuss the use of other interventions to maximize the impact of VitalStim^Ò Therapy

15.   Discuss and demonstrate correct use of documentation forms

16.   Demonstrate effective communication skills regarding VitalStim^Ò therapy with other members of the healthcare team.

 Yorick Wijting, PT brings a dedication to rehab across continents.  Yorick has 21 years experience as a Physical Therapist and an extensive international speaking career with an emphasis on electrotherapy and manual therapy.

 Mary Simmons, SLP    is a Speech-Language Pathologist who practices in Memphis, TN. Mary is the Clinical Specialist in the VitalStim division at Chattanooga Group serving as a knowledgeable resource in Dysphagia in general and VitalStim in particular to therapists around the USA.

Day 1

08:30                Introductory comments

10:45                Break

11:00                Palpation of head and neck structures (lab)

12:00                Dysphagia

12:30                Lunch

13:30                Modified Barium Swallow Analysis

14:30                Electrotherapy Theory

15:45                Break

16:00                Electrotherapy Lab

17:30                Written Examination

18:30                Close

 Day 2

09:00                Review of material Day 1, Q&A

09:30                Electrotherapy Discussion: literature, experience in the E-U, research

11:00                Break

11:15                Electrotherapy Lab Continued

12:00                Open Discussion Studies

13:00                Close