Services

 

Swallowing Evaluations

 

• Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)

Our speech pathologists have received the highest level of training by Dr. Bonnie Martin-Harris, a speech pathologist at Northwestern University.  Dr. Martin-Harris developed the MBSImp, which is an evidence-based standardized scoring instrument of the MBSS allowing speech pathologists to assess 17 critical components of the swallowing mechanism.

 

• Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Our speech pathologists are certified in endoscopy by an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician.

 

• Clinical Swallowing Evaluations

 

Radiation Oncology Education/Therapy

 

• ​Our speech pathologists are available to see a head and neck cancer patient prior to medical and surgical intervention to evaluate and discuss changes which may occur with speech or swallowing and to plan intervention.

• We will monitor and evaluate swallowing as needed throughout chemo-radiation therapy and then work with the patient through exercises and compensatory strategies to overcome chewing and swallowing problems and to prevent future swallowing problems secondary to chemo-radiation therapy.

• We will follow patients after chemo-radiation is completed to ensure adequate swallowing abilities are maintained and/or achieved.

 

Tracheo-esophageal Puncture Prostheses (TEP)

 

• Our speech pathologists have been trained by Dr. Eric Blom, an internationally recognized doctor of speech pathology at the Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy in Carmel, Indiana.

• Dr. Blom is the medical device inventor and co-developer of the tracheo-esophageal voice restoration technique.

• Our speech pathologists offer education and training in further advancements for TEP patients including HME filter systems and hands-free communication that may interest the larngectomee.

 

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD for Parkinson's Disease

 

• Treatment administered in 16 sessions over a single month (4 individual 60 minute sessions per week)

• Treatment not only stimulates the motor system but also incorporates sensory awareness training to help individuals with PD recognize that their voice is too soft, convincing them that the louder voice is within normal limits and making them comfortable with their new louder voice.

 

McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP)

 

• MDTP is a systematic exercise based approach to dysphagia therapy with adults.

• Rather than a specific technique, MDTP is a framework from which to provide individualized therapy to patients

• Our speech pathologists were trained by Dr. Michael Crary and Dr. Giselle Carnaby, the founders of the program.

 

Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer (EMST)

 

• The EMST150 strengthens the muscles involved in coughing, swallowing and breathing, addressing many serious symptoms of neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's, ALS and others.

 

Cognitive Therapy

 

• Neurogenic Communication Disorders

• Thought Organization Difficulties

• Attention Problems

• Memory Problems

• Reasoning and Problem Solving Skills

 

Language Therapy

 

• Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders

• Aphasia

 

Speech Therapy

 

• Articulation Disorders

• Dysarthria

• Apraxia

 

Voice Therapy

 

• Resonance/Voice Disorders

• Vocal Cord Paralysis

• Muscle Tension Dysphonia

 

Swallow Therapy

 

• Oral Motor Difficulties

• Oro-pharyngeal Phase Dysphagia

• Traditional Swallow Rehabilitation Exercises

• EMST

• MDTP

 

Pediatric Speech and Language Therapy

 

• Receptive and Expressive Language Delays

• Develoopmental Apraxia of Speech

• Articulation Disorders

• Phonological Disorders

• Pragmatic/Social Skills Training

• Learning Disabilities

 

Pediatric Feeding Therapy

 

• Pervasive Developmental Disorders

• Gross and Fine Motor Delays

• Developmental Delays

• Coordination and Balance Problems

• Attention and Concentration Problems

• Learning Problems