Paulson Certified as VitalStim Therapy Provider

Amy Paulson, speech-language pathologist at Brookings Health System, recently completed certification to provide VitalStim therapy to patients.

“VitalStim therapy is a cutting-edge, progressive treatment that allows Brookings Health System to combine the benefits of technology and traditional exercise methods in patient care,” said Chief Nursing Officer Tammy Hillestad.

Speech-language pathologists use VitalStim therapy to help patients who experience difficulty swallowing due to injury or illness. VitalStim therapy applies neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the patient’s swallowing muscles while the patient performs conventional swallowing exercises. It helps the brain to remap swallowing control and strengthens muscles, restoring the patient’s swallowing function.

To become a certified VitalStim provider, Paulson was required to complete both on-site and online training courses, pass a written exam, demonstrate the ability to incorporate VitalStim therapy into an appropriate treatment regimen, and demonstrate proficiency in applying electrodes and operating equipment.

Speech-Language Pathology services are one of the comprehensive therapy services offered at Brookings Health System. For more information on how you or a loved one may benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist, please visit www.brookingshealth.org/Speech or call (605) 696-8821.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center and White Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.