Our Treatment Approach
Physician Consultation
Our physicians will examine you and coordinate with our team to oversee and provide a comprehensive and medically sound basis for your treatment plan
Modified Barium Swallow Testing
This diagnostic test allows us to view inside your throat while you are eating and drinking to examine and determine the exact cause of your problem with swallowing. This medically necessary test will reveal if aspiration is occurring.
Exercise programs
There are specifically designed exercises that have been proven to improve swallow function and increase range of motion of the head and neck. These exercises will be demonstrated by a skilled professional with focus on correct technique to maximize benefit.
Psychological Services/Patient Counseling / Group Meetings
A group setting can provide a wonderful way to share experiences, questions, concerns etc. Our groups serve as a support network as well as a means to receive valuable information via a variety of qualified guest speakers. Coping with cancer sometimes requires some professional help. Our staff is able to provide qualified mental health counselors when indicated.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
This technique, uses tiny pulses of painless, electrical current to stimulate the nerves that provide both sensation and movement for the swallowing system. Use of electrical current has been shown through research to not only restore muscle function and range of motion but also demonstrates promise to improve salivary function and reduce the hardening effects (fibrosis) of the radiated area.
Myofascial Release/Soft Tissue Manipulation
Radiation treatment can result in swelling (edema) and hardening (fibrosis) in the radiated area. This makes it difficult to swallow as the movement of the muscles is restricted and can also cause pain or soreness. The use of specialized massage techniques helps soften the tissues, allows for greater freedom of movement and less pain.
Nutritional Counseling
Proper nutritional intake is a special concern among those with difficulty swallowing. Our Dietary Technicians provide dietary assessments and counseling services to provide guidance for management of your nutritional and hydration needs.
Home Program
An easy to follow Home program is an essential component to a successful outcome. Our individual daily journal will help you record and complete your home treatments successfully and accurately.
Why Our Program?
Currently there are 40,000 cases a year in the U.S. of reported head and neck cancer. Research has shown : two-thirds will experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Survivors of head and neck cancer have a distinct challenge in eating and drinking normally. While some cancer treatments may affect appetite or cause nausea, often treatment for head and neck cancer directly impacts the very mechanisms we use to swallow our food or liquid, such as the tongue, the jaw, the larynx, the pharynx, the esophagus etc...
Radiation and chemo/radiation can result in swelling, hardening and restricted movement in these areas, making it difficult and sometimes impossible to swallow normally. In many cases the food or liquid may end up in the lungs (aspiration) causing even more health problems.
The goods news is ...with highly specialized and targeted therapeutic interventions this does not have to be a permanent condition.
Our program is based on sound scientific research and our highly skilled staff of medical professionals is uniquely trained for this type of swallowing difficulty.
Contact Us at 305-895-3923 www.catholichealthservices.com