Swallowing Therapy
Dysphagia
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can be very obvious or very subtle from neurological (i.e. stroke) or physical impairments (i.e. head and neck cancer). A speech pathologist’s role in swallowing is to complete evaluations to determine the potential cause(s), determine the phase of the disorder, and select the appropriate treatment method. Further, it is the speech-language pathologists’ role to determine the impact this impairment has on the individual’s life and their family or caregiver.
A Swallowing Evaluation and Treatment may be recommended if you or your loved one are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Choking
- Reflux
- Regurgitation
- Frequent drooling
- “Can’t get food down”
- Recurrent aspiration pneumonia
- Effort or extra time needed to chew
- Food or liquid spilling from the mouth
- Food or liquid remaining in the mouth after meals
- Avoidance of certain foods, drinks, textures
- Coughing during or after eating or drinking
- Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after meals
- Globus sensation - complaints of “fullness” in the throat
- Feeling food sticking in the throat or chest after a swallowing
We are certified in several evidence-based treatments for dysphagia:
McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) – an evidence-based & systematic swallowing program related to exercise science principles.
Myofascial Release (MFR) – a form of manual therapy that involves apply gentle and sustained pressure to areas used for swallowing to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and improve swallowing function.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) – use of small electrical impulses to swallowing muscles in the throat through electrodes attached to the skin in order to improve swallowing abilities.
Head and Neck Cancer Lymphedema Therapy (Lymphatic Drainage)– specialized modality to address the lymphatic system of the head and neck post radiation and/or surgical intervention for head and neck cancer.
Now Offering FEES
You are not alone! Join our dysphagia support group today.
Want to learn more about swallowing disorders and why we are so passionate about providing the best care? Watch this video of Maggie, the owner of Transcend Speech & Swallowing Solutions, as she explains what dysphagia is and three reasons we should be aware of this disorder!