Swallow Studies and Rehabilitation for Swallowing Disorders
Problems with swallowing can interfere with nutrition, enjoyment of food and even breathing. In severe cases, people may also develop pneumonia. If you or a loved one experience difficulty swallowing, our experienced physicians and speech-language pathologists (therapists) are here to help.
Founded in 1979, our swallowing rehabilitation program has been helping people with swallowing problems (dysphagia) for over 35 years.
Our experienced rehabilitation physicians and speech-language therapists work together to provide well-rounded care from evaluation to therapy.
Our dysphagia experts regularly meet with radiology, gastroenterology, otolaryngology, neurology, nutrition and oncology specialists as well as other experts to share knowledge and inform your treatment.
Our swallowing rehabilitation program has received extensive funding from the National Institutes of Health to support research in the areas of swallowing and oral function, swallowing physiology and biomechanics, and swallowing rehabilitation in the ICU.
Request an appointment:
443-997-5476
Swallowing Disorders We Treat:
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
Esophageal dysphagia
Neurogenic dysphagia
Our Approach to Treating Swallowing Disorders
Swallow Studies
Before recommending treatment, our specialists will locate and study the swallowing problem to get clues about its origin. They have a variety of tests at their disposal to help diagnose swallowing problems:
Electrodiagnostic studies such as electromyography — the study of the muscles involved in swallowing
Endoscopic evaluation — the use of a small camera to test sensation and swallowing patterns inside your throat
Swallowing Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists) evaluate you and make treatment recommendations. They may prescribe medications, suggest changing your diet or recommend specific rehabilitation therapy.
Speech-language therapists can help you train and strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing. They can also help you adjust your posture when you eat to make swallowing safer. Speech-language therapists work closely with people who want to improve their ability to eat or return to eating after having a feeding tube.
Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Expertise, Disease and Conditions:
Dysphagia, Laryngeal Dysplasia, Neurologic Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Swallowing Disorders
Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Vice Chair, Clinical Operations, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Managing Director, Outpatient Operations, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Expertise, Disease and Conditions:
Amputee Rehabilitation, Botulinum Toxin Injections, Dysphagia, Dysphagia Evaluation, Neuro Rehabilitation, Orthotics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Prosthetics, Rehabilitation, Spasticity Management, Speech and Language Disorders After Stroke, Swallowing Disorders
