Voice Therapy
Voice Therapy and Swallowing Therapy
Voice and Swallowing therapy is conducted by our certified speech-language pathologists. They aim to equip individuals with behavioral tools and enhance muscular strength and efficiency. This therapy is instrumental in mitigating the impact of voice and swallowing disorders.
If you’ve noticed persistent changes in your voice or have been struggling with swallowing difficulties, it’s advisable to consult one of our qualified and experienced therapists. These professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of voice and swallowing issues.
Whether your physician has provided a referral or you’re taking the initiative to seek assistance, we encourage you to reach out to our office. Moreover, our team is here to address your inquiries, assess your eligibility for therapy, and schedule your appointments as needed.
If you have concerns regarding the coverage of our services by your insurance, we’re here to assist you in navigating the complexities of insurance policies. We can provide guidance and information to help you understand your coverage options and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
In summary, certified experts administer Voice and Swallowing therapy, tailoring it to equip individuals with the necessary tools and techniques for effectively managing voice and swallowing disorders. Our dedicated team is available to answer your questions, whether you’re referred by your doctor or seek our services independently. They can assess your eligibility, and ensure you receive the care you need. Additionally, we also offer guidance on insurance coverage, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of your financial responsibilities. Your well-being and recovery are our top priorities. We’re committed to providing you with the support and care you deserve.
VOICE THERAPY
Voice therapy is designed to rehabilitate the voice. If you have been experiencing voice weakness, hoarseness, reduced volume, pain with speaking or other undesirable voice symptoms and would like to have your voice evaluated, we can help! We are trained to treat voice disorders including but not limited to presbyphonia, muscle tension dysphonia, puberphonia, gender spectrum voice concerns, vocal nodules/lesions, vocal fold paralysis and much more. Call our office to determine if voice therapy is appropriate for you, or talk to your doctor for a referral.
What can you expect at your first visit:
- Videostroboscopy using a specialized scope designed to evaluate your vocal folds and the surrounding tissues
- Medical and voice history
- Acoustic analysis
- Behavioral and perceptual voice evaluation
- Assessment of the anterior neck muscles
- Determination of eligibility for therapy
If it is determined you would benefit from therapy, we will see you for therapy sessions. Each session lasts between 50-60 minutes and typically you will be seen for about 4-6 sessions, though, you may be seen for fewer or more session depending on your specific diagnosis. In therapy you will be shown tools, exercises and techniques to help correct or alleviate your voice symptoms. There will be work for you to do at home. The more consistent you are with your at-home work the more quickly you will see results.
SWALLOW THERAPY
Coughing and choking more than usual while eating? Random coughs striking throughout the day? Feeling like food is getting “stuck” during or after you swallow? Undiagnosed swallowing disorders are dangerous and can be frightening. Come see us and let us evaluate your swallow safety.
What you can expect:
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of the Swallow (FEES). This means we will use a small scope to observe your swallow in real time.
- Behavioral evaluation
- Medical and swallow history
- Assessment of muscles used for swallowing
- Review of your FEES exam including recommendations to improve your swallow safety and whether or not therapy is a good option for you
During therapy you can expect to be given strategies and recommendations to keep you safe when you swallow. You will receive education regarding the swallow process and put on a swallow strengthening regimen. Follow-up with your therapist every few weeks to check progress and determine if/when to do a second exam to check for improvement and update recommendations.
UPPER AIRWAY DISORDERS THERAPY
Speech-language pathologists also specialize in the treatment of upper airway disorders including chronic cough/throat clear and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). If you are experiencing chronic cough and or breathing difficulties and your doctor has already ruled out other causes, you may be referred here for evaluation.
What to expect your first visit:
- Personal and medical history
- Evaluation of anterior neck muscles
- Behavioral and perceptual measurements
- Provocative measures for diagnosis of VCD if appropriate
- Videostroboscopy- use of a specialized scope to view the vocal folds and upper airway
If therapy is recommended you will be seen for a series of therapy sessions aimed at providing you with strategies, techniques and preventative measures to alleviate coughing spells, decreasing laryngeal cough sensitivity and work preventatively and actively against shortness of breath and breathing “attacks.”
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT VOICE AND SWALLOW THERAPY
“I lost my voice 16 months ago due to my thyroid being removed. After 3 surgeries and 9 months of Voice Therapy with Anna and some visits with Megan my voice is so much better. She really works hard at getting patients the best quality voice she can and is an excellent provider. Would recommend both [Anna] and Megan to anyone! Top notch speech therapists.” – Nicole Newbold
“Anna was very professional and friendly. She answered all of my questions and helped me to understand what was going on with my voice. I am confident that, with her help, my voice will be as good as new in no time.” – Jessica Allen
IS VOICE OR SWALLOWING THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?
Speech therapy for your voice and swallow is just like any other therapy. It requires time, commitment and compliance to therapy recommendations in order for change to occur. If you desire change and are ready to consistently execute assigned exercises and follow recommendations, then therapy is a good option for you! We look forward to working with you!
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