The Ampcare Effective Swallowing Protocol™ (ESP) is an FDA-approved neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy that uses small electrical currents to stimulate the muscles used for swallowing and speech. The repetition of the electrical currents during this skilled treatment re-educates the speech and swallowing musculature to improve overall function.
The electrical stimulation patches are secured to the individual’s throat. The stimulation is not painful, but most individuals feel a pulling sensation when the muscles are contracting. Research has shown that repetitive exercise while using electrical stimulation may improve speech and swallowing function. We typically provide treatment using Ampcare 2-3 times a week to achieve the maximum benefit and increase the chances of faster results.
Ampcare can be used for a variety of diagnoses, including stroke, brain injury, or post-head and neck cancer, among other diagnoses.
Sheltering Arms Institute offers Ampcare ESP™ technology at our main campus in Short Pump as well as the Bon Air, Hanover, Midtown, Laburnum, and Reynolds outpatient centers.
