Dysphagia Program

The Dysphagia Program at the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Outpatient Therapy Center specializes in evaluating and improving swallowing function in adult and pediatric patients. Our goal is to help our patients tolerate the least restrictive diet as possible.

Services
A comprehensive evaluation and assessment process allows us to provide individualized therapy for each patient.

Services Include

Evaluation

Videofluoroscopic swallow study

Therapy

Patient and family education

Feeding Program - Mary Free Bed offers a separate outpatient program for children, newborn and up, with dysphagia. The pediatric Feeding Program treats dysphagia as well as oral aversion, oral defensiveness, and behavioral issues related to feeding.

Who Uses These Services
Patients with any of the following may have issues with swallowing or feeding:

Cerebral palsy

Spina bifida

Brain injury

Cardiac problems

Reflux

Muscular dystrophy

Apraxia

Oral weakness

Neurological conditions

Tube feedings

Cancer

Parkinson’s Disease

Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease

Services Explained

Evaluation - Our assessment includes a clinical evaluation, relevant history, and recommendations.

Videofluoroscopic swallow study - During the study, the patient is given food mixed with barium, a radio-opaque substance. As the patient chews, moves the food inside the mouth, and swallows, the radiologist and therapist are able to observe on a screen similar to a TV. X-rays are taken and a video recording is made for later review.

Therapy -Therapy is provided by an occupational therapist (OT), a speech therapist, or both. Therapy can focus on some or all of these areas:

Compensatory techniques

Optimal positioning to increase safety

Oral motor strengthening and coordination

Laryngeal pharyngeal strengthening and coordination exercises

Diet modifications to increase safety

Patient and family education - We consider family involvement to be a key component of our program. We educate both the patient and his or her family on any potential safety concerns. We also provide training and support to ensure that the patient’s treatment is able to continue at home and in other settings.

Contact the Dysphagia Program
For more information or to make a referral, please contact the Dysphagia Program at:

Phone
616.242.0366 - or - 800.668.6001

Email
adult.outpatient@maryfreebed.com