The VitalStim® Therapy System involves the administration of small, electrical impulses to the swallowing muscles in the throat through electrodes attached to the skin overlaying the musculature. The therapist determines which musculature would benefit from this facilitation through a patient evaluation. Once the electrodes are placed and current intensity has been increased to a satisfactory level, the therapist commences traditional exercise therapy with the patient. The patient exercises the swallowing muscles for periods of up to one hour while receiving concurrent VitalStim. The VitalStim® Therapy System when applied in this manner, increases muscle strength, accelerates cortical reorganization, and increases the effectiveness of the exercise therapy.