Swallowing

Swallowing problems (also known as dysphagia) can occur at any point throughout the lifespan and may result from a variety of circumstances ranging from neurological disorders, to acute medical events, to a normal process of aging. Speech-language pathologists are involved in the diagnosis and management of dysphagia. Following a clinical evaluation, a personalized treatment plan will be created and will include compensatory and rehabilitative strategies so the client can return to eating the foods they love, decrease their risk of pneumonia and improve their quality of life.

Our therapist is certified in the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP), an evidence-based & systematic swallowing program related to exercise science principles.

A SWALLOW (DYSPHAGIA) EVALUATION AND THERAPY IS RECOMMENDED IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

• Food or liquid remaining in the oral cavity after the swallow
• Increased drooling
• Food or liquid remaining in the oral cavity after the swallow
• Complaints of food "sticking"
• Complaints of pain when swallowing
• Wet or gurgle sounding voice during or after eating or drinking
• Coughing during or right after eating or drinking
• Difficulty starting the swallow process
• Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infection
• Extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow
• Unexplained weight loss