Swallowing Therapy for Adults (Dysphagia Treatment)

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect the ability to swallow food, liquids, or medications safely and efficiently. Dysphagia can lead to coughing or choking, poor nutrition, and in some cases, aspiration pneumonia — when food or drink enters the lungs.

What causes dysphagia?

Dysphagia in adults is often caused by:

• Stroke or brain injury

• Parkinson’s disease

• Alzheimer’s disease or dementia

• Multiple sclerosis or ALS

• Head and neck cancer or surgery

• Aging-related muscle weakness (presbyphagia)

It can also result from prolonged hospitalization, intubation, or other medical complications.

What are signs someone may need swallowing therapy?

Common signs of dysphagia include:

• Coughing or choking while eating or drinking

• Feeling like food is “stuck” in the throat or chest

• Wet or gurgly-sounding voice after meals

• Drooling or food leaking from the mouth

• Frequent pneumonia or respiratory infections

• Taking a long time to finish meals

• Avoiding certain foods or fear of choking

Even subtle symptoms may indicate a serious problem. If you’re unsure, Nina can provide an in-home evaluation.

Can swallowing therapy prevent pneumonia?

Yes. Swallowing therapy helps prevent aspiration — when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Repeated aspiration can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a dangerous condition.

Therapy focuses on improving muscle coordination, changing posture or techniques, and modifying diet if needed — all to reduce risk and improve safety.

What happens during swallowing therapy?

After an initial evaluation, Nina will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Sessions may include:

• Strengthening exercises for the lips, tongue, and throat

• Swallowing techniques for safer meals

• Thermal-tactile stimulation to trigger the swallow reflex

• Diet texture modifications (e.g., thickened liquids or soft solids)

• Real-life mealtime practice in your own kitchen

• Caregiver training for safe feeding support

Everything is designed around functional, real-world improvement.

How is therapy adapted for someone with dementia or Parkinson’s?

Nina has experience working with individuals who have progressive neurological conditions. For these clients, therapy focuses on:

• Preserving function as long as possible

• Supporting dignity and quality of life

• Training caregivers in safe techniques

• Preventing complications like aspiration or weight loss

• Simplifying routines without sacrificing nutrition

Treatment is gentle, respectful, and individualized.

Is a modified diet always required?

Not always. While some patients benefit from temporary or long-term diet modifications (like softer foods or thickened liquids), Nina’s goal is to maintain as much normal eating as safely possible.

She evaluates each client thoroughly before recommending any changes and focuses on restoring normal eating whenever feasible.

Is this therapy only for people with serious health conditions?

No. Anyone who has trouble swallowing — even occasionally — may benefit. Dysphagia is common with aging, and early intervention can prevent serious problems like malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration.

Do you work with caregivers and family members?

Yes. Nina offers caregiver education during every phase of therapy. She teaches family members:

• How to support safe feeding

• What signs of aspiration to watch for

• How to prepare meals that are safe and enjoyable

• How to avoid caregiver burnout while supporting nutrition

What other speech therapy services do you provide?

• Cognitive-Communication Therapy – Improves memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving skills after illness, injury, or neurological changes.

• Speech Production & Articulation Therapy – Increases clarity and accuracy of speech sounds so you can be better understood.

• Language Therapy (Aphasia, etc.) – Restores comprehension, expression, reading, and writing abilities affected by stroke, brain injury, or other conditions.

• Voice Therapy – Treats hoarseness, strain, pitch issues, and other voice concerns to enhance vocal quality.

• Reading & Writing Support – Rebuilds literacy skills reduced by neurological conditions or injuries.

• AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) – Introduces devices and systems for those with significant communication challenges.

• Functional Communication Skills – Develops practical communication for daily life at home, work, and in social settings.

• Progressive Disease Communication Support – Maintains and adapts communication abilities for Parkinson’s, ALS, and dementia.

What areas do you serve?

Nina provides in-home swallowing therapy for adults throughout Palm Beach County, including:

• Lake Worth

• Delray Beach

• Boca Raton

• Palm Beach

• Boynton Beach

• Lantana

• Manalapan

• West Palm Beach and surrounding areas

How do I get started?

Nina offers a free phone consultation to learn about your swallowing concerns and recommend the next steps.

Call (561) 797-2343 or fill out the Contact Form to schedule your consultation.