Treating swallowing disorders related to a range of medical conditions, including stroke, brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease.
Skilled diagnosis, individualized treatment
At Sheltering Arms Institute, our team of speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, to help individuals achieve optimal outcomes and return to a high quality of life.
Collaborative, innovative, outcome-oriented
Swallowing disorders are most commonly a result of a medical condition or trauma such as stroke, head injury, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
At Sheltering Arms Institute, speech therapy designed to treat swallowing disorders is integrated into a patient’s overall care plan and managed by a transdisciplinary team of clinicians.
I cannot begin to give enough accolades to Sheltering Arms Institute. The therapy is innovative and designed to meet your special needs. The therapists, chaplain, psychologists, doctors, nurses, dietitians, and environmental services staff are all woven into one great team.
Advanced techniques, optimal outcomes
Therapists and clinicians at Sheltering Arms Institute use the latest field research and technological advances to design modern, individualized care plans for patients experiencing swallowing disorders.
We’re fortunate to have state-of-the-science technology for both evaluation and treatment of dysphagia. Our skilled clinicians have specialized training to optimize recovery. We use a transdisciplinary approach to managing dysphagia, with the speech pathologists working as a team with nurses, physicians, dieticians, and respiratory therapy to individualize our approach to each patient’s needs.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment options
Sheltering Arms Institute offers swallowing disorders therapy in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
At Sheltering Arms Institute, speech therapy for swallowing disorders related to conditions or traumas requiring inpatient rehabilitation is integrated into a patient’s overall care plan.
Swallowing disorder therapies are accessible at Sheltering Arms Institute outpatient clinics conveniently located throughout Richmond and Central Virginia.
Comprehensive care, optimal outcomes
From unexpected traumas to medical necessities, Sheltering Arms Institute’s program for individuals with limb loss is committed to improving the physical and emotional well-being of each patient.
Understanding swallowing disorders therapy
Swallowing is a highly complex skill that can be affected by neurological or structural changes to the body’s natural mechanics. Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is the impairment of any part of the swallowing process. The condition can greatly impact overall health and quality of life, especially within the aging population.
Following a skilled assessment by a speech-language pathologist, therapy re-educates the muscles used for swallowing so that individuals can overcome impairments to their swallow mechanism. Therapy may also involve compensatory techniques and diet adjustments to allow for safe intake during the rehabilitation process.
Swallowing disorders are typically related to a medical condition or trauma such as stroke, a head injury, pulmonary disease, degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, or weakness following surgery or hospitalization.
Symptoms of a swallowing disorder can include:
Generally, the therapies received for a swallowing disorder are the same in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. In the inpatient setting, patients requiring swallowing disorder therapy receive it as part of their care plan. In the outpatient setting, therapy is administered on a scheduled basis through visits to an outpatient clinic convenient to home or work.
Start your Journey
Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.
