Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing food, liquids, saliva, or medication. It can happen after a stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia-related changes, or other neurological conditions that affect the muscles and nerves used for swallowing. Support from an experienced speech-language pathologist can make daily meals feel more manageable.
For adults in Sherwood, AR, Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts provides dysphagia therapy through our adult speech therapy services. Yolanda Madar, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP, and Megan Vaughn, SLP, are part of our therapy team and bring experience supporting adults with swallowing, cognition, language, and communication changes. Our clinic also offers specialized swallowing support with tools such as Synchrony and VitalStim when appropriate.
What Are the Signs of Dysphagia?
Dysphagia can look different from person to person. Some adults notice obvious choking or coughing, while others have more subtle symptoms that build over time.
Common signs of dysphagia may include:
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Feeling like food is stuck in the throat
- A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Taking longer to finish meals
- Avoiding certain foods or liquids
- Trouble swallowing pills
- Drooling or trouble managing saliva
- Unexplained weight loss
- Repeated respiratory infections or concern about aspiration
A speech-language pathologist can help identify what is happening and recommend strategies to support safer swallowing.
What Causes Dysphagia in Adults?
Dysphagia often develops when the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing are affected by injury, illness, or neurological changes. It is common after a stroke, but it can also happen after brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions that affect coordination and muscle control.
Swallowing involves many steps, from moving food in the mouth to safely guiding it through the throat. When one part of that process is disrupted, eating and drinking can become harder, slower, or less safe.
How Can Therapy Help With Dysphagia?
Dysphagia therapy focuses on improving swallowing safety, comfort, and function. Your speech-language pathologist may evaluate how you swallow, ask about your symptoms, and recommend exercises or strategies based on your needs.
Therapy may include:
- Swallowing exercises
- Safe swallowing strategies
- Posture or positioning changes
- Food and liquid texture recommendations
- Mealtime pacing strategies
- Education for caregivers and family members
- Technology-supported treatment such as Synchrony or VitalStim, when appropriate
What Happens During Dysphagia Therapy?
Your first visit usually begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, diet, and daily concerns. Your therapist may look at oral movement, swallowing patterns, voice changes, coughing, and how swallowing issues affect your routine.
From there, your care plan is built around your needs. Some adults need help managing meals more safely. Others may need exercises to improve swallowing function, caregiver education, or support after a neurological event.
When appropriate, your therapist may also recommend tools such as Synchrony or VitalStim as part of your swallowing therapy plan.
How Do Synchrony and VitalStim Support Swallowing Therapy?
Synchrony and VitalStim are therapy tools that may be used to support swallowing function during dysphagia treatment. They are not stand-alone fixes, but they can help reinforce the work you’re doing with your speech-language pathologist as part of a personalized care plan.
Synchrony uses virtual reality, swallowing exercises, and electrical stimulation to help strengthen and retrain the muscles involved in swallowing.
VitalStim uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation to activate targeted swallowing muscles while you work through therapy exercises.
At Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts, these tools are used when appropriate by trained speech-language pathologists to help adults improve swallowing safety, comfort, and confidence during meals.
Why Choose Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts for Dysphagia in Arkansas?
Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts has a strong focus on adult neurological rehabilitation, which is important because dysphagia often occurs alongside stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions.
Yolanda Madar, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP, has more than 20 years of experience in adult neurorehabilitation and advanced training in VitalStim, NMES, and the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program. Megan Vaughn, SLP, is also trained in Synchrony for Dysphagia and brings experience helping adults and families manage swallowing, cognitive, and communication changes.
Our clinic in Sherwood, AR, also connects dysphagia care with related services when needed, including neurological rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. That means your care can support swallowing concerns while also considering mobility, posture, cognition, communication, and daily independence.
Get Help for Swallowing Problems in Sherwood, AR
Eating and drinking should not feel stressful, unsafe, or exhausting. If swallowing changes are affecting meals, comfort, or confidence, Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts can help you understand what is happening and what support may be available.
For dysphagia therapy in Sherwood, AR, contact us online or call Central Arkansas Rehabilitation Experts at 501-392-9180.
