Swallow Therapy

Swallow Therapy & Dysphagia Treatment in Sandy Springs, GA

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Why Swallow Therapy (Dysphagia Treatment) Matters

Swallowing is a complex function involving dozens of muscles and precise coordination. When even one component falters, eating and drinking become stressful, risky, or painful. Our swallow therapy (also known as dysphagia treatment) focuses on retraining and strengthening the muscles and behaviors needed for safe and efficient swallowing.

Many clients search for dysphagia treatment, swallow therapy, or speech and swallowing therapy when they or loved ones experience:

• Coughing or choking during meals
• Feeling food gets “stuck” in the throat
• Changes in voice quality after eating
• Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
• Recurrent pneumonia or respiratory issues
• Difficulty swallowing pills or liquids

If these symptoms resonate, it’s time to seek professional evaluation and therapy.

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Causes & Conditions We Treat

Swallowing difficulties can arise from a variety of causes, and understanding them is key to proper treatment. We provide therapy for:

• Neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS)
• Post‑surgical or radiation effects in the head/neck
• Age-related muscle decline
• Trauma or injury to the throat or esophagus
• Progressive diseases like dementia, PPA
• Post‑intubation swallowing impairments

Whether you need swallow therapy for a chronic condition or recovery after an acute event, our approach adapts to your unique needs.

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What to Expect from Swallow Therapy

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Comprehensive Swallow Assessment

Your journey begins with a multi-faceted evaluation: clinical interview, oral motor exam, trial swallows, diet review, and, if necessary, instrumental testing (e.g., modified barium swallow, FEES). This helps pinpoint where the breakdown is occurring and shapes a precise therapy plan.

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Individualized Swallow Training

Therapy includes targeted exercises aimed at:

• Strengthening tongue, pharynx, and laryngeal muscles
• Improving coordination of swallow timing
• Enhancing airway closure
• Working on bolus control and safer food textures

You may hear terms like “effortful swallow,” “Mendelsohn maneuver,” or “Shaker exercise” — these are all well-researched techniques we may include depending on your evaluation.

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Compensatory Techniques & Safety Strategies

Therapy is not just exercises; it’s also learning safe swallowing behaviors. These may include:

• Adjusting posture or head tilt
• Using slower swallow timing
• Adapting food texture or viscosity
• Alternate liquid/solid swallows
• Breath-hold or cough strategies

These techniques are often life-changing when applied consistently.

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Home Practice & Carryover

Just as important as in‑session work is your at-home practice. We’ll give you a customized plan with exercises and tracking tools so you can safely carry forward therapy benefits into your everyday meals.

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Modes of Service — Clinic, Home, Teletherapy

We strive to make swallow therapy accessible and flexible:

• In-Clinic Therapy
  Receive direct, hands-on care in our Sandy Springs office.
• In‑Home Therapy
  For those with limited mobility or who prefer care in their environment.
• Teletherapy Swallow Coaching
  In some cases, aspects of swallow training and follow-up can be delivered remotely with guided instruction and caregiver coaching.

No matter which method you choose, our commitment to safety, precision, and progress remains unwavering.

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Why Choose Lasting Language for Swallow Therapy?

Choosing the right provider matters. At Lasting Language:

• Over 10 years of experience in neurorehab, acute care, and swallowing dysfunction
• Deep expertise in Parkinson’s speech & swallow therapy, dysphagia treatment, and speech-language rehabilitation
• Personalized, patient-first care with consistent measurement, communication, and adjustment
• A warm, professional environment where clients feel heard, supported, and respected

We believe in working collaboratively — involving caregivers, physicians, and nutrition specialists where needed — to create a holistic plan for lasting improvement.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Quick)

Does swallow therapy actually reduce aspiration risk?
Yes — when done consistently and based on detailed evaluation, many clients significantly reduce aspiration and improve swallow safety.

How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the underlying cause, your baseline strength, and consistency. Many clients see meaningful improvements in 8–16 sessions with regular practice.

Is dysphagia therapy covered by insurance?
As a private-pay practice, we don’t bill insurance directly, but we can provide documentation (superbills) for those wishing to submit to their providers.

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Start Your Swallow Recovery — Book an Evaluation Today

Don’t let swallowing issues control your dignity, nutrition, or comfort. If you’ve been searching for dysphagia treatment, swallow therapy services, or safe swallow care in Sandy Springs, start here with an evaluation.

We offer private pay options, flexible scheduling, and a compassionate path forward to better swallowing, safer meals, and confident communication.

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