Archives

Managing Trismus: What We Know, What We Don’t, and What You Can Try

July 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout helps patients understand what trismus is, why it’s so hard to treat, and what options might support recovery. It includes transparent information about the limits of current research and offers practical, compassionate strategies patients can try or discuss with their care team.
This content is only available to members.

The Masako Maneuver: Compensatory Strategy or Exercise? A Deep Dive

July 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This deep dive into the Masako maneuver explores its origins, evolving role in dysphagia therapy, and what the evidence really says. It’s designed to help SLPs make informed, nuanced decisions in a field where our options are limited, but our impact is real.
This content is only available to members.

Early Cancer Detection in Swallowing Evaluations

June 30, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource helps speech-language pathologists recognize subtle red flags for head and neck cancer during swallow evaluations. It includes anatomical visuals, nuanced signs by subsite, and clear guidance on when to refer to ENT.
This content is only available to members.

Ejercicios para tragar

June 23, 2025 by Megan Berg.
Este folleto ofrece explicaciones claras y amigables sobre ejercicios de deglución comunes, relacionando cada uno con los síntomas pacientes pueden experimentar. Perfecto para que los terapeutas usan en las sesiones o lo envíen a casa con los pacientes, ayuda a cerrar la brecha entre las recomendaciones clínicas y los desafíos reales de deglución.
This content is only available to members.

Using the BOLUS Framework in Collaborative Dysphagia Care

May 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource provides a structured approach to applying the BOLUS framework in dysphagia management, helping clinicians assess aspiration-related risks while keeping patient goals at the center of care. Designed for interdisciplinary collaboration, it includes a practical risk assessment checklist and guidance on engaging patients, families, and healthcare teams in shared decision-making.
This content is only available to members.

Reflux, Swallowing, and Long-Term PPI Use

May 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout helps patients understand the connection between reflux, swallowing, and long-term PPI use while offering practical, evidence-informed strategies for managing symptoms. Designed for therapists to share in clinical settings, it provides a balanced discussion of risks, alternatives, and lifestyle modifications to empower informed decision-making.
This content is only available to members.

Guide for Troubleshooting One-Way Speaking Valves

May 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This guide offers practical troubleshooting tips for SLPs working with patients using one-way speaking valves, addressing common challenges to improve airway function, phonation, and communication. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and individualized care, it provides clear, actionable strategies to enhance patient outcomes and tolerance of speaking valves.
This content is only available to members.

Aspiration Risk Reduction Protocol

April 30, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This Aspiration Risk Reduction Protocol helps ensure consistent, evidence-based strategies for reducing aspiration risk in hospitalized adults. Designed for SLPs and interdisciplinary teams, this bedside-friendly tool improves collaboration by guiding nurses through initial screening and providing clear, actionable steps for ongoing aspiration management.
This content is only available to members.

Swallow Exercises

April 30, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout provides clear, patient-friendly explanations of common swallowing exercises, linking each one to the symptoms patients may experience. Perfect for therapists to use in sessions or send home with patients, it helps bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and real-life swallowing challenges.
This content is only available to members.

What to Expect During End of Life Care: A Guide for Families

March 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This guide helps families understand the natural process of the body shutting down during end-of-life care, with a focus on the emotional challenges surrounding nutrition and hydration. It provides evidence-based explanations and practical tips to help families feel reassured, offering therapists a warm and accessible resource to share during these profound moments.
This content is only available to members.