At Mountain Land Physical Therapy, our team of certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) is dedicated to improving communication and swallowing abilities for individuals of all ages. We specialize in a wide range of areas, including swallowing disorders, cognitive impairments, and Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS).
Our Expertise
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Dysphagia Management
Swallowing difficulties, or dysphagia, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and health. SLPs are crucial in evaluating and treating dysphagia to prevent complications like aspiration, ensuring patients maintain adequate hydration, nutrition, and safety. We offer comprehensive evaluations and use a range of strategies and exercises to improve swallow function, such as:
- Head turns/tilts: Effective for improving the strength of pharyngeal muscles (throat muscles).
- Chin tucks: Reduces the risk of aspiration and food residue after attempting to swallow.
- Effortful swallow: Helps clear residue in the throat.
- Masako and Mendelsohn maneuvers: Techniques for enhancing the strength and coordination of swallow muscles.
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Cognitive-Communication Therapy
Cognitive functions like attention, memory, and executive reasoning are fundamental for effective communication and daily functioning. Our SLPs provide tailored interventions, including:
- Attention-building exercises: Enhancing focus and inhibition skills.
- External aids and environmental modifications: Utilizing tools like notebooks, calendars, and minimizing distractions.
- Task-oriented therapy: Practical exercises for real-life activities like managing schedules and financial tasks.
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Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)
Our team conducts Modified Barium Swallow Studies using videofluoroscopy to visualize and assess each phase of the swallowing process in real time. This assessment is crucial for diagnosing underlying pathologies and tailoring individualized treatment plans. During the MBSS, different consistencies mixed with barium are used to evaluate swallowing safety and efficiency.
Why MBSS Is Important: It provides detailed insights into swallow physiology and allows us to test compensatory strategies immediately to ensure effective management.
FAQs
- What are common signs of dysphagia? Signs include coughing or choking while eating, food getting stuck, unexplained weight loss, and a wet-sounding voice after swallowing.
- How is cognition assessed? SLPs use standardized tools to evaluate areas like memory, attention, and executive functioning.
- What is a Modified Barium Swallow Study? An MBSS is a non-invasive X-ray procedure that evaluates how food and liquids move through your mouth and throat, offering crucial insights for treatment planning.
- Is an MBSS painful? The procedure is painless but may have a chalky taste from the barium. It is straightforward and non-invasive.
If you or a loved one could benefit from our Speech Language Pathology services, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. We are committed to enhancing your communication, cognitive, and swallowing health with personalized and evidence-based care.
