What Is Swallowing Therapy? When Should You Get Help?
Most of us don’t think twice about swallowing — until it becomes difficult or even dangerous. Whether it’s coughing while eating, food “getting stuck,” or a general fear of choking, swallowing difficulties (known medically as dysphagia) can significantly affect your health, nutrition, and quality of life.
If you or someone you care for is experiencing problems with eating or drinking, swallowing therapy with a registered speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help.
What Is Swallowing Therapy?
Swallowing therapy is a specialized service provided by speech-language pathologists to assess, manage, and treat dysphagia. It focuses on improving how food and liquids move from your mouth to your stomach — safely and efficiently.
Swallowing involves more than just the throat. It’s a complex process that uses over 30 muscles and nerves in the mouth, tongue, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. When any part of that system is weakened, misfiring, or injured, therapy can help retrain and strengthen it.
Who Might Need Swallowing Therapy?
Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age but are more common in adults with underlying medical conditions such as:
Stroke or brain injury
Parkinson’s disease or ALS
Dementia
Head and neck cancer
Multiple sclerosis
General aging or frailty
However, even individuals without a diagnosed condition may benefit if they’re experiencing symptoms like:
Frequent coughing or choking when eating
Food or pills “sticking” in the throat
Wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
Frequent pneumonia or respiratory infections
Avoidance of certain food textures (e.g., meats, bread)
What Happens in Swallowing Therapy?
Initial Assessment
Your SLP will begin with a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and eating habits. They may perform an in-person swallowing evaluation or collaborate with your physician for imaging studies like a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) or FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing).Treatment Plan
Based on the findings, your therapist will create a customized plan. This may include:Swallowing exercises to strengthen muscles
Strategies to improve safety (e.g., chin tuck, effortful swallow)
Texture modifications (e.g., softer foods or thickened liquids)
Positioning and pacing techniques during meals
Compensatory tools like special cups or utensils
Education & Support
Therapy also includes education for you and your caregivers about safe swallowing habits, how to reduce risk of aspiration, and tips for maintaining nutrition and hydration.
Why Swallowing Therapy Matters
Untreated dysphagia isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. It increases the risk of:
Choking
Aspiration pneumonia
Malnutrition
Social isolation or fear around eating
Swallowing therapy can restore confidence, improve quality of life, and help you eat safely again.
When to Seek Help
If swallowing issues persist longer than a few days, or interfere with eating, drinking, or medication, don’t wait. Early intervention can make a big difference — especially for adults with progressive or neurological conditions.
Support Is Just a Call Away
At Speech and Swallowing Services, we specialize in adult swallowing assessments and therapy, both in-home across the Okanagan and virtually throughout BC.
You don’t have to live in fear of meals or discomfort. Let’s work together to make eating safe and enjoyable again.
Contact us today to book a swallowing assessment or learn more.
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