Swallowing Therapy
Swallowing Therapy
Swallowing is a process that requires the coordinated and synchronized work of different centers in our brain and multiple muscles in your neck. Therefore, if swallowing difficulties develop for any reason, there is a need to restore swallowing function. One of the best ways to achieve this is through swallowing therapy.
What is Swallowing Therapy?
Swallowing is a process that requires the coordinated and synchronized work of different centers in our brain and multiple muscles in your neck. Therefore, if swallowing difficulties develop for any reason, there is a need to restore swallowing function. One of the best ways to achieve this is through swallowing therapy.
Swallowing therapy is a treatment method that, through various exercises, helps train the muscles used during swallowing, increases tissue flexibility, and neurologically re-establishes proper swallowing function.
Who Benefits from Swallowing Therapy?
Swallowing therapy can be effective for many swallowing disorders. Patients for whom we recommend swallowing therapy include:
- History of prolonged intensive care
- Childhood dysphagia
- Dysphagia after Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)
- Laryngeal cancer
- Dysphagia after head and neck cancer
- Brain surgery
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral Palsy
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- Other Neurological diseases
How is Swallowing Assessment Performed?
Swallowing assessment is the most critical step for patients with dysphagia. The first stage of the assessment is a very detailed history of swallowing difficulties. This should be followed by a physical examination performed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. If deemed necessary after this examination, advanced swallowing assessments can be performed. These assessments include the Functional Endoscopic Swallowing Test or the Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Test. Based on these assessments, therapy may be recommended as a treatment option.
