Therapy for Swallowing Disorders
Safe swallowing and effective feeding practices
Swallowing disorders, such as dysphagia, can affect the pre-oral, oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal phases of swallowing, which can cause difficulty in consuming food and could lead to Pneumonia. Speech-language pathologists frequently work with individuals diagnosed with dysphagia or swallowing difficulties. You will learn and implement compensatory strategies through speech therapy to enhance your swallowing function, enabling you to safely and comfortably consume your preferred foods.
Children with swallowing difficulties benefit from speech therapy/ early intervention targeting areas such as oral motor strength required for mastication/chewing and overcoming food aversions.
Similarly, swallow therapy for teenagers can address sensory and/or motor challenges, which could lead to problems such as inadequate nutrition, aspiration pneumonia, or safety concerns.
Adults and older individuals who experience dysphagia as a result of aging, brain injuries, or degenerative diseases can significantly benefit from engaging in speech therapy. Swallow therapy not only aims to enhance their ability to swallow safely and effectively but also plays a crucial role in preserving their overall quality of life. By participating in personalized speech therapy sessions, individuals can enjoy their favorite foods without undue risk, thereby reducing the likelihood of complications such as aspiration pneumonia, which can lead to more serious health issues.
At Verse Therapy, our skilled therapists specialize in treating various swallowing disorders by offering personalized, evidence-based treatment through a virtual platform, allowing you to receive care in the comfort of your home.
Explore Swallowing Disorder Treatment Options
If you're interested in exploring treatment options for swallowing disorders, our dedicated clinicians at Verse are here to help. We will carefully evaluate your swallowing concerns, whether they involve difficulties with managing foods, drinks, or medication. We will discuss your goals with you and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at helping you achieve those goals and improve your quality of life. Key treatments include:
Swallowing Exercises
Treatment for various swallowing disorders often involves targeted exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that play a critical role in the swallowing process. These exercises aim to enhance function, including the effective management of food in the mouth, such as during mastication/chewing. Furthermore, the treatment focuses on improving the swallowing reflex to ensure that food is correctly directed into the esophagus and reaches the stomach rather than unintentionally entering the lungs, which can lead to aspiration/aspiration pneumonia! This comprehensive approach not only seeks to improve the mechanics of eating but also aims to reduce the risk of complications associated with swallowing difficulties, promoting safer and more enjoyable meals.
Postural Strategies
In certain situations, it can be beneficial to adjust your head, neck, or body positioning to enhance your swallowing function. These adjustments can help decrease the likelihood of aspiration—where food or liquid enters the airway—and reduce the risks of choking. Taking the time to find the optimal posture and alignment while eating can significantly improve safety during meals and promote better swallowing efficiency. Our skilled clinicians at Verse will trial a variety of strategies making sure you find the one that works best for you.
Diet Modifications
If you’re concerned about swallowing and have a history of aspiration, your speech-language pathologist will help you make the best and safest food and drink choices. They’ll look at all the different options and give you the safest and least restrictive diet, ensuring your safety and taking into account quality of life. Sometimes, they might recommend a swallow study to make sure you’re getting the best care.
Compensatory Techniques
Compensatory strategies are essential for ensuring your safety while adhering to your recommended diet. These strategies enable you to consume food and beverages while mitigating aspiration risk and enhancing swallow safety.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a technique that can be used in conjunction with an in-person Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). It involves sending electrical impulses to activate the muscles required for a safe swallow. Depending on the severity of your concerns, this may be the most appropriate course of action.
Schedule a consultation with a Verse Specialist today to get started on your personalized plan.
Understanding Swallowing Disorder
Swallowing disorders can affect people at different times in their lives, and they can range from mild to severe. These disorders can affect your health, how well you eat, and how well you enjoy life. If you’re having trouble swallowing, it’s a good idea to talk to a speech-language pathologist. They can help you learn new ways to swallow and find a diet that works best for you.
What Are Swallowing Disorders?
Swallowing disorders significantly affect an individual's ability to manage food in their mouth. This includes things such as chewing, moving food from side to side, and triggering the swallow reflex. Additionally, these disorders can impact the muscles in the pharyngeal cavity (throat), which are responsible for protecting the lungs and ensuring proper clearance of food from the throat after swallowing.
Symptoms of swallowing disorders may include coughing or throat clearing after swallowing, a sensation of food getting stuck, and difficulty chewing food sufficiently to swallow safely. Individuals with frequent episodes of pneumonia may benefit from a video swallow study to observe swallow function in real-time and see the swallow muscles in action. In such cases, a clinical or video swallow study may be necessary to diagnose and treat the condition.
Challenges Associated with Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing disorders can have a significant negative impact on individuals. Even seemingly simple tasks may become challenging, and you may develop a fear of eating, which is understandable! Our highly trained speech-language pathologists will provide you with compassionate care and listen attentively to your concerns. By doing so, we aim to help you feel confident and proud of your progress.
Verse’s speech therapy offers evidence-based, practical, and well-rounded solutions to address these challenges!
Benefits of Swallowing Disorder Treatment
Treatment of your swallowing disorder can significantly enhance your overall health, reduce the likelihood of developing further complications, such as pneumonia, and improve your quality of life. At Verse, each therapist develops a personalized therapy plan tailored to meet your specific needs and goals, regardless of your age! Key benefits include:
Safer Swallowing and Reduced Aspiration Risk
Speech therapy, or swallow therapy, provides crucial practice, education, and strategies to enhance your swallowing function. Improving this function ultimately increases safety for you and your loved ones by reducing the risk of choking and the sensation of food being stuck in your throat. Additionally, it decreases the likelihood of developing aspiration pneumonia. With speech therapy, you can regain a sense of "normalcy" and enjoy the foods you love over time.
Improved Nutrition and Hydration
If you've recently made changes to your diet, such as transitioning from solid foods to chopped or soft foods, you may find it beneficial to seek speech therapy. This type of therapy can provide you with valuable practice and tailored strategies to help you navigate your diet. A speech therapist can work with you to improve your swallow techniques, ensuring you can enjoy the foods you love at home while also equipping you with tools to manage any challenges that arise. This approach not only fosters independence in your eating habits but also allows you to treat yourself to your favorite meals more safely and enjoyably!
Increased Confidence During Meals
Eating is not just about survival; it’s also about social connections. Therapy can help you enjoy meals without fear or anxiety, allowing you to fully experience the joy of socializing over food.
Long-Term Strategies for Independent Eating
Speech therapy can help you learn how to swallow food safely and easily without fear or discomfort. Our therapists will keep track of your progress so you can see how far you’ve come and ensure our clients are making positive gains toward their goals.
Why Choose Verse Therapy for Swallowing Disorder Treatment?
At Verse, we believe that everyone is unique, and we value your input! We consider your medical history, both formal and informal, and your goals to create a personalized treatment plan. If you ever have questions or concerns, our clinicians are here to listen and help.
Virtual Convenience
At Verse, you can meet with speech therapists right from your own home! No more long commutes or noisy waiting rooms. All you need is a computer or tablet and a good internet connection.
Flexibility
We’re dedicated to making speech therapy accessible for you and your family! That's why our therapists offer a flexible schedule, ensuring we can meet with you at a time that works best for your needs. Let's find a time that fits your life!
Accessibility
Experience the power of virtual therapy! Regardless of your location, you can connect with highly qualified therapists who are dedicated to helping you thrive. Your journey to better communication is just a click away!
Personalized Care
Our speech therapists prioritize evidence-based therapeutic practices while tailoring speech therapy to meet your specific needs. You are always involved in the care provided, and we work together to achieve your personal goals.
What to Expect from Swallowing Disorder Therapy
01Initial Consultation
To thoroughly evaluate your swallowing difficulties, our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) will conduct a comprehensive review of your oral motor function. This assessment will focus on ensuring that your muscles involved in chewing and swallowing are both strong and well-coordinated. Following this initial evaluation, your SLP may discuss any recent video studies you've undergone, such as Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) or Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS), to gain deeper insights into your swallowing patterns and provide explanations or clarifications you may seek.
If you have not yet participated in such imaging procedures, your SLP may request that you bring a variety of foods and beverages with different textures to your appointment. This will allow them to assess your ability to handle various consistencies and ensure that you can safely consume these items without exhibiting any signs or symptoms of aspiration. This thorough approach aims to provide an accurate understanding of your swallowing capabilities and to help develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
02Personalized Treatment Plan
Upon completion of your evaluation, your speech therapist will examine the results obtained and your established goals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment will vary depending on age, severity, and type of swallowing disorders.
03Ongoing Sessions and Monitoring
After establishing a schedule for your recurring sessions, your speech-language pathologist (SLP) will monitor your progress. This involves documenting daily notes and collecting data to track advancements and areas that may need further attention. Through this process, the SLP can ensure that the therapy is effective and tailored to your evolving needs.
04Transition to Maintenance
Practice is essential for achieving swallow goals. Your speech-language pathologist (SLP) will regularly suggest strategies to incorporate into your daily routine and during meals. These strategies are designed to help you effectively utilize the techniques you’re learning in your session, ensuring that you can apply them confidently and efficiently in real-life situations. Consistent practice will not only reinforce your skills but will improve your progress towards your swallowing goals.
Meet Our Swallowing Disorder Specialists
Shani Franks
Shani Franks has over 23 years of experience in Speech-Language Pathology. She has provided therapy in various settings from schools, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and out-patient facilities. Shani has held positions in Speech-Language Pathology from therapist, clinical director/supervisor, and Area Director of facilities, and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Shani has provided therapy for most of her career with the Adult/Geriatric population. Her expertise extends to treating a variety of speech language disorders and diseases, and she has extensive experience working with cognitive-linguistic disorders. Shani holds a BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University and an MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Louis University. In her down time, Shani enjoys baking/cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
**My Approach to Therapy**
Speech Therapy focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to make therapy effective, enjoyable, and client-centered.
**What a Session Looks Like With Shani**
I provide virtual speech therapy sessions where we address your personal goals by building skills through targeted activities. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique goals and interests.
Lauren St Germain
Lauren St Germain is an Illinois-based Speech-Language Pathologist and is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Lauren graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders and Sciences and a Master’s of Communication Disorders and Sciences from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Lauren has gained significant experience in a variety of settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient, schools, and private clinics. Lauren is certified in Beckman Oral Motor to support her patients with dysphagia and speech. She enjoys working with both children and adults. Lauren has a passion for providing the best care possible to ensure her clients succeed in a compassionate and trusting environment. She ensures that her clients’ goals are the forefront of their care. Lauren also has significant experience working with military families and is a proud military spouse of an active-duty Marine. Outside of work, you can find Lauren spending time with her husband, two children, and her three dogs. She also enjoys working out, baking, and spending time with family and close friends.
**My Approach to Therapy**
Speech Therapy focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to make therapy effective, enjoyable, and client-centered.
**What a Session Looks Like With Lauren**
I provide virtual speech therapy sessions where we address your personal goals by building skills through targeted activities. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique goals and interests.
Mallory Miracle
Mallory Miracle is a seasoned speech-language pathologist based out of Virginia and is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She received both a Master’s of Science in Communication Disorders and a Master’s of Arts in Linguistics from Arizona State University. Mallory has spent her career treating adults with a variety of diagnoses (including brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s, ALS, and dementia) and impairments (including cognitive-communication disorders, swallowing disorders, and speech-language disorders). She has worked in a wide variety of settings including an inpatient rehab hospital, a residential brain injury program, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and in home health. Mallory finds the most rewarding parts of her job to be supporting her clients to better communicate their wants, needs, and opinions; solve a problem that they struggled to solve a week ago; be able to eat their favorite foods that were “off limits” due to difficulty swallowing; and helping train clients and their families to be empowered to advocate for their health or the health of a loved one. If Mallory isn’t providing speech therapy services, you will likely find her with her husband, three kids, and dog, Andy. She loves cooking, and she enjoys finding creative outlets, such as wreath making or painting.
**My Approach to Therapy**
In my experience, people often think of speech therapy as boring and repetitive. That’s not my style at all! I think therapy should be both fun and functional. I consider myself a relaxed clinician who likes to make therapy something to look forward to, rather than dread.
**What a Session Looks Like With Mallory*
I provide virtual speech therapy sessions where we address your personal goals by building skills through targeted activities. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique goals and interests.
**Fun Facts About Mallory**
I enjoy cooking; embracing all things artistic—sewing, painting, crafting; and reading (yes, audiobooks count too!)
Take the First Step Toward Safer Swallowing
Treating a swallowing disorder can be intimidating and sensitive and may cause uncertainty. If you are still unsure whether Verse can assist you in eliminating your swallowing concerns, schedule a complimentary intake consultation with one of our intake specialists to embark on your journey today!
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