Swallowing Rehabilitation
Offering evidence-based swallowing evaluation and treatment, including:
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thorough cranial nerve and clinical assessments
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fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) procedures to assess swallowing physiology objectively and make individualized treatment recommendations
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individualized exercise programs to target the specific swallowing muscles affected and improve swallowing safety and efficiency
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surface electromyography (sEMG) for visual biofeedback of muscle recruitment during swallowing strength and endurance training exercises
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VitalStim neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy to re-educate the swallowing muscles in conjunction with pharyngeal exercises or while swallowing specific textures of food/liquid
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the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP), an intensive swallowing 'boot camp' program for patients with severe chronic dysphagia
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Myofascial release, a form of manual therapy for patients with fibrosis-related dysphagia (e.g., scar tissue post radiation to the head/neck) or muscle tension dysphagia or dysphonia to restore motion to connective tissue
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expiratory and inspiratory muscle strength training (EMST/IMST) to improve functioning of exhalation and inhalation musculature to target cough strength and airway protection during swallowing
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education of individualized compensatory strategies and postural techniques if applicable to immediately improve safety and quality of life in the presence of physiological impairments

