SWALLOWING THERAPY

Before beginning therapy, our speech therapists conduct a comprehensive clinical swallowing evaluation to assess:

Oral motor function
Ability to handle solids and liquids of varying consistencies
Safety and efficiency of swallowing

If needed, we offer advanced instrumental assessments:

Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS)
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Common Symptoms of Dysphagia

Holding food or liquid in the mouth without swallowing
Coughing or choking during or right after eating or drinking
Food getting stuck or "pocketed" in the cheeks after swallowing
Food or liquid escaping from the mouth
A wet, gurgly, or raspy voice during or after meals
Taking significantly longer to finish a meal than usual
Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or facial color changes (flushing or paleness) while eating
Food or liquid coming back up into the nose

Chronic Symptoms

Unexplained weight loss
Malnutrition/dehydration
Excessive drooling
Recurrent pneumonia or breathing difficulties
Food refusal
Prolonged holding food in mouth
Persistent low-grade fever

Free Swallowing Screening

Are you or your loved ones experiencing any of the following? These may be signs of a swallowing disorder (dysphagia).

Swallowing Evaluation

Before beginning therapy, our speech therapists conduct a comprehensive clinical swallowing evaluation to assess:

Oral motor function
Ability to handle solids and liquids of varying consistencies
Safety and efficiency of swallowing

If needed, we offer advanced instrumental assessments:

Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS)
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Personalized Treatment

Based on assessment results, treatment may include:

✔ Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation (DPNS)

– Improves swallow reflex

✔ Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

– Strengthens swallow muscles

✔ Oral-motor exercises & swallow muscle training

✔ Therapeutic massage

✔ Safe feeding strategies & diet modification guidance

The earlier dysphagia is addressed, the better—targeted swallowing therapy can effectively lower the risk of complications and improve both swallowing safety and quality of life.