What does therapy look like at Sagebrush?

Ste​p 1: Complete a swallow evaluation.

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You will meet with your speech therapist to review your medical history, report swallowing difficulty symptoms, and learn strategies to reduce swallowing difficulty. You and your therapist will also determine if imaging is necessary. 

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Step 2: Complete swallowing imaging.

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Most patients, but not all, will complete swallow imaging. Imaging is required, because it is the only way your therapists can truly see what's happening in your mouth and throat when swallow. Swallow imaging can detect aspiration, tongue and/or throat weakness, throat abnormalities, and the amount of food left over in the throat after you swallow. 

Imaging helps your speech therapist prescribe appropriate strengthening exercises and compensatory strategies based on the detailed findings of your swallowing imaging.

There are two different ways swallowing imaging can be completed, a swallowing x-ray and a swallowing scope. Both forms of imaging are considered to be gold standard. The type of swallowing imaging you and your therapist select depends on your health history and preferences.

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Step 3: Complete swallowing therapy. ​

You will learn compensatory strategies and strengthening exercises to reduce swallowing and eating difficulty with your speech therapist.

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