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Dysphagia is an impairment in the oral and/or pharyngeal stage of the swallow.
Good Shepherd’s expert speech language pathologists offer swallowing therapy for patients with dysphagia. Our speech language pathologists are specially trained to work with people with eating or swallowing difficulties.
Speech language pathologists use a range of techniques that can be tailored for your specific problem, such as teaching you swallowing exercises.
Patients with a swallowing disorder can experience several symptoms, including:
Good Shepherd’s speech language pathologists are certified to practice swallowing therapy using VitalStim® technology. This neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy, approved by the FDA, is used for patients with swallowing disorders, otherwise known as oral pharyngeal dysphagia. VitalStim® is designed as a complimentary treatment modality to strengthen and retrain the swallowing mechanism. The ultimate goal is to resume oral intake at the least restrictive diet level.
VitalStim® involves the administration of small, electrical impulses to the swallowing muscles in the throat through electrodes attached to the skin. Once the electrodes are placed and current intensity has been increased to a satisfactory level, the therapist begins traditional exercise therapy with the patient. The patient exercises the swallowing muscles for periods of up to one hour while receiving concurrent VitalStim® therapy.
To request an appointment with one of our swallowing disorder specialists, please call 1.888.447.3422 or fill out the form below.