Archives

Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer: What to Know About Swallowing Changes

August 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This one-page handout explains how radiation for head and neck cancer can affect swallowing, using warm, easy-to-understand language and real-world tips. It’s a helpful tool for SLPs to support patients with dysphagia and introduce the role of speech therapy during and after treatment.
This content is only available to members.

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.

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.

Radiation Therapy and Oral Care: Conventional and Unconventional Approaches

January 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource provides therapists with practical and creative strategies to help patients manage oral side effects during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. From evidence-based recommendations to unconventional approaches, it equips patients with tools to navigate dry mouth, mucositis, and other oral health challenges with greater comfort and confidence.
This content is only available to members.

Preventative Swallowing Exercises During Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

March 1, 2022 by Ashley Zhinin.
This material provides information on the importance of consulting speech therapy prior to chemoradiotherapy (CRT), changes or complications in swallowing function that can be seen following CRT, and the effectiveness of implementing a preventative, high-intensity behavioral intervention by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to preserve musculature and functional swallowing ability
This content is only available to members.