Expert Swallowing Therapy for Safer Eating & Drinking

Swallowing therapy (dysphagia management) helps individuals who have difficulty eating, drinking, or managing saliva safely. Dysphagia can result from neurological conditions, stroke, surgery, developmental delays, or aging. Our licensed SLPs assess swallowing function and design personalized rehabilitation programs to improve safety and quality of life.

1What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulty. It can occur at any stage of the swallowing process — oral preparation, oral transit, pharyngeal, or esophageal phases. Symptoms include coughing or choking during meals, food getting stuck, wet or gurgly voice after eating, recurrent pneumonia, and unexplained weight loss. Dysphagia can be life-threatening if untreated.

2Causes of Swallowing Difficulties

Common causes include stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, head and neck cancer treatment, developmental disorders in children, and age-related muscle weakness (presbyphagia). Each condition requires a different therapeutic approach, which our specialists tailor to the individual.

3Our Treatment Approach

Treatment may include oral motor exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles, compensatory strategies such as modified diet textures and positioning techniques, sensory stimulation approaches, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation guidance. We work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care.

4Telehealth for Swallowing Therapy

While instrumental swallowing assessments require in-person evaluation, many aspects of dysphagia management can be effectively delivered via telehealth. This includes clinical assessment, exercise programs, diet modification counseling, caregiver training, and ongoing monitoring. Our therapists guide patients and caregivers through exercises in real-time.

?Frequently Asked Questions

QCan swallowing therapy be done online?

Yes. While some assessments require in-person visits, therapy exercises, diet counseling, caregiver training, and progress monitoring are highly effective via telehealth. Our SLPs guide you through every step.

QWho needs swallowing therapy?

Anyone experiencing difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or medication. This includes stroke survivors, individuals with neurological conditions, post-surgical patients, elderly individuals, and children with feeding difficulties.

QHow long does swallowing therapy take?

Duration varies based on the underlying cause and severity. Some patients improve within a few weeks of exercises, while others require longer-term management. Your therapist will set realistic goals during the initial evaluation.