Dysphagia Program
As part of an integrated approach to rehabilitation, Good Shepherd's speech and language therapy department provides a Dysphagia Program for any inpatient or outpatient experiencing swallowing disorders. Master's-level speech and language pathologists design and implement the program.
Dysphagia Program referral diagnoses include spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, neuromusculature disorders (Multiple Sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, ALS, Parkinson's disease), and pediatric swallowing disorders. For more information on the Good Shepherd Dysphagia Program, contact us today or call 1-888-44-REHAB (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
Dysphagia Program Components
- Modified barium swallow study (radiographic/x-ray assessment of the anatomy and physiology of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal musculature to allow analysis of the structure and function of the swallow)
- VitalStim® Therapy (electrical stimulation therapy for adults who suffer from chronic oral/pharyngeal dysphagia; used to maximize swallowing, speech, and vocal functioning). For more information on VitalStim Therapy, visit www.vitalstimtherapy.com.
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation used in the facial muscle exercise program
- DPNS—Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation
- Therapeutic exercise program
- Modified diet levels
- Therapeutic compensatory strategy instruction
- Ongoing patient/family education
- Comprehensive evaluation
Program Specialties Include:
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