Since late 2025, Alomere's occupational therapists (OTS) have been offering Vivistim, an FDA-approved implanted device that uses paired vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to help stroke survivors regain hand and arm function. How it works The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body-it connects the brain and helps regulate movement and other essential functions throughout the body. After a stroke, the problem often isn't that the muscles are gone. It's that the brain's signals aren't getting through properly. The implanted device delivers mild stimulation to the vagus nerve during OT exercises. That stimulation activates parts of the brain that support relearn- ing movement. Paired with therapy, it helps the brain strengthen existing pathways and build new ones. VNS therapy can help patients regain 2 to 3 times more hand and arm function than rehab alone. What treatment looks like Once the device is implanted, the protocol is six weeks, three sessions per week, 90 minutes each. After that, patients continue with their Alomere OT team at reduced intensity. There's no expiration date on recovery One of the most remarkable things about VNS therapy is what it means for people who had a stroke years-or even decades ago. "Our oldest post-stroke patient is 45 years post-stroke in Chicago and they made great gains," says Kateyn Petersen, Vivistim therapy development specialist at Mobia Medical. "There's no end date." Available right here Alomere is bringing this life- changing therapy to Central Minnesota. Gary Burks drives from Fergus Falls for the opportunity to get the elevated rehab services at Alomere. "Even though the FDA has only approved this treatment for arms, my leg is also seeing improvement. Walking freely, opening jars, tying fishing knots-just being independent was the criteria I set for my recovery. It's not a miracle, but the results are amazing," exclaims Gary. "As an Occupational Therapist for the last 25 years, I am thrilled to be able to use this ground-breaking technology with my patients. It is the only device out there that actually helps patients build and keep measurable gains in their affected upper extremity- which allows them to get back to normal daily activities," says Julie Olberding, OTR/L. Who might qualify If you or someone you know had an ischemic stroke and still struggles with hand or arm movement, VNS may be an option-regardless of how long ago the stroke happened. Insurance coverage, including Medicare, is available, though authorization takes time. To find out if VNS therapy is right for you, call Alomere Health Rehabilitation Services at 320-762-6079 New Stroke Therapy Now Ava 'able ALOMERE REHABILITATION SERVICES Julie Olberding, OTR/L with Gary Burks JUST ADD WATER MICE TRANSPONDER PONDER Since late 2025 , Alomere's occupational therapists ( OTS ) have been offering Vivistim , an FDA - approved implanted device that uses paired vagus nerve stimulation ( VNS ) to help stroke survivors regain hand and arm function . How it works The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body - it connects the brain and helps regulate movement and other essential functions throughout the body . After a stroke , the problem often isn't that the muscles are gone . It's that the brain's signals aren't getting through properly . The implanted device delivers mild stimulation to the vagus nerve during OT exercises . That stimulation activates parts of the brain that support relearn- ing movement . Paired with therapy , it helps the brain strengthen existing pathways and build new ones . VNS therapy can help patients regain 2 to 3 times more hand and arm function than rehab alone . What treatment looks like Once the device is implanted , the protocol is six weeks , three sessions per week , 90 minutes each . After that , patients continue with their Alomere OT team at reduced intensity . There's no expiration date on recovery One of the most remarkable things about VNS therapy is what it means for people who had a stroke years - or even decades ago . " Our oldest post - stroke patient is 45 years post - stroke in Chicago and they made great gains , " says Kateyn Petersen , Vivistim therapy development specialist at Mobia Medical . " There's no end date . " Available right here Alomere is bringing this life- changing therapy to Central Minnesota . Gary Burks drives from Fergus Falls for the opportunity to get the elevated rehab services at Alomere . " Even though the FDA has only approved this treatment for arms , my leg is also seeing improvement . Walking freely , opening jars , tying fishing knots - just being independent was the criteria I set for my recovery . It's not a miracle , but the results are amazing , " exclaims Gary . " As an Occupational Therapist for the last 25 years , I am thrilled to be able to use this ground - breaking technology with my patients . It is the only device out there that actually helps patients build and keep measurable gains in their affected upper extremity- which allows them to get back to normal daily activities , " says Julie Olberding , OTR / L . Who might qualify If you or someone you know had an ischemic stroke and still struggles with hand or arm movement , VNS may be an option - regardless of how long ago the stroke happened . Insurance coverage , including Medicare , is available , though authorization takes time . To find out if VNS therapy is right for you , call Alomere Health Rehabilitation Services at 320-762-6079 New Stroke Therapy Now Ava ' able ALOMERE REHABILITATION SERVICES Julie Olberding , OTR / L with Gary Burks JUST ADD WATER MICE TRANSPONDER PONDER