Swallow Therapy
Swallow Therapy
Swallow Therapy at Newro Neuro-Rehabilitation Center
Swallow Therapy at Newro Neuro-Rehabilitation Center is a specialized service dedicated to assessing and treating dysphagia—a condition affecting the ability to swallow. Our Speech-Language Pathologists are skilled professionals who conduct thorough evaluations, addressing dysphagia’s various phases: Oral Preparatory, Oral Transfer, Pharyngeal, and Esophageal.
Understanding Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can impact the safety and efficiency of the swallowing process. It occurs in four phases:
1. Oral Preparatory Phase:
– What Happens: Food is chewed, mixed with saliva, and formed into a bolus for swallowing.
– Symptoms: Difficulty chewing, pocketing of food, prolonged meal times.
2. Oral Transfer Phase:
– What Happens: The bolus is moved to the back of the mouth in preparation for the swallow.
– Symptoms: Difficulty initiating the swallow, food residue in the mouth after swallowing.
3. Pharyngeal Phase:
– What Happens: The bolus moves through the pharynx to the esophagus.
– Symptoms: Coughing, choking, nasal regurgitation, and voice changes.
4. Esophageal Phase:
– What Happens: The bolus is transported through the esophagus into the stomach.
– Symptoms: Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest.
Assessment of Dysphagia
Our Speech-Language Pathologists conduct comprehensive assessments using various methods:
– Clinical Bedside Swallow Evaluation:
– Observation of oral motor function and assessment of swallowing reflexes and strategies.
– Identification of signs and symptoms during mealtime.
– Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS):
– Real-time X-ray imaging to observe the swallowing process.
– Detailed visualization of the anatomy and function of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases.
– Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES):
– An endoscope passed through the nose to view the pharyngeal phase of swallowing.
– Direct visualization of the anatomy and identification of any abnormalities.
Treatment of Dysphagia
Our treatment plans are tailored to address specific phases of dysphagia and may include:
1. Oral Preparatory Phase:
– Exercises to improve chewing and bolus formation.
– Techniques to enhance oral motor strength and coordination.
2. Oral Transfer Phase:
– Swallowing exercises to improve initiation and coordination.
– Strategies to reduce residue in the oral cavity.
3. Pharyngeal Phase:
– Specific exercises to strengthen pharyngeal muscles.
– Techniques to improve swallow reflex timing.
4. Esophageal Phase:
– Dietary modifications to ensure safer swallowing.
– Techniques to improve esophageal transit.
Nutritional Support through Tube Feeding
For individuals with severe dysphagia, temporary nutritional support through tube feeding options such as Ryles Tube (Nasogastric Tube) or PEG Tube (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) may be considered. These tubes are removed once our Speech and Swallow Therapists are confident that the patient can eat safely, attaining adequate nutrition and hydration.
Enquire for Consultation
If you or a loved one is experiencing challenges related to dysphagia, our team of Speech-Language Pathologists is ready to conduct thorough assessments and develop personalized treatment plans. Contact us to schedule a consultation and explore how our Swallow Therapy program can significantly impact safety and efficiency in the swallowing process.
Swallow Therapy at Newro Neuro-Rehabilitation Center
Swallow Therapy at Newro Neuro-Rehabilitation Center is a specialized service dedicated to assessing and treating dysphagia—a condition affecting the ability to swallow. Our Speech-Language Pathologists are skilled professionals who conduct thorough evaluations, addressing dysphagia’s various phases: Oral Preparatory, Oral Transfer, Pharyngeal, and Esophageal.
Understanding Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can impact the safety and efficiency of the swallowing process. It occurs in four phases:
1. Oral Preparatory Phase:
– What Happens: Food is chewed, mixed with saliva, and formed into a bolus for swallowing.
– Symptoms: Difficulty chewing, pocketing of food, prolonged meal times.
2. Oral Transfer Phase:
– What Happens: The bolus is moved to the back of the mouth in preparation for the swallow.
– Symptoms: Difficulty initiating the swallow, food residue in the mouth after swallowing.
3. Pharyngeal Phase:
– What Happens: The bolus moves through the pharynx to the esophagus.
– Symptoms: Coughing, choking, nasal regurgitation, and voice changes.
4. Esophageal Phase:
– What Happens: The bolus is transported through the esophagus into the stomach.
– Symptoms: Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest.
Assessment of Dysphagia
Our Speech-Language Pathologists conduct comprehensive assessments using various methods:
– Clinical Bedside Swallow Evaluation:
– Observation of oral motor function and assessment of swallowing reflexes and strategies.
– Identification of signs and symptoms during mealtime.
– Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS):
– Real-time X-ray imaging to observe the swallowing process.
– Detailed visualization of the anatomy and function of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases.
– Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES):
– An endoscope passed through the nose to view the pharyngeal phase of swallowing.
– Direct visualization of the anatomy and identification of any abnormalities.
Treatment of Dysphagia
Our treatment plans are tailored to address specific phases of dysphagia and may include:
1. Oral Preparatory Phase:
– Exercises to improve chewing and bolus formation.
– Techniques to enhance oral motor strength and coordination.
2. Oral Transfer Phase:
– Swallowing exercises to improve initiation and coordination.
– Strategies to reduce residue in the oral cavity.
3. Pharyngeal Phase:
– Specific exercises to strengthen pharyngeal muscles.
– Techniques to improve swallow reflex timing.
4. Esophageal Phase:
– Dietary modifications to ensure safer swallowing.
– Techniques to improve esophageal transit.
Nutritional Support through Tube Feeding
For individuals with severe dysphagia, temporary nutritional support through tube feeding options such as Ryles Tube (Nasogastric Tube) or PEG Tube (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) may be considered. These tubes are removed once our Speech and Swallow Therapists are confident that the patient can eat safely, attaining adequate nutrition and hydration.
Enquire for Consultation
If you or a loved one is experiencing challenges related to dysphagia, our team of Speech-Language Pathologists is ready to conduct thorough assessments and develop personalized treatment plans. Contact us to schedule a consultation and explore how our Swallow Therapy program can significantly impact safety and efficiency in the swallowing process.
