Archives

Embracing Uncertainty: A Realistic Approach to Dysphagia Exercises

February 28, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource explores the complexities and limitations of dysphagia management, highlighting key swallowing exercises like the Shaker, Mendelsohn, Masako, and CTAR while acknowledging the lack of definitive evidence supporting their efficacy. Designed for therapists, it encourages a patient-centered, collaborative approach that prioritizes real-world outcomes, transparent education, and individualized care amidst the gray areas of current dysphagia research.
This content is only available to members.

Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

October 31, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one type of ALS that first affects speech and swallowing. This handout explains bulbar ALS and how the speech-language pathologist will be involved.
This content is only available to members.

Changes in Swallowing After Laryngectomy

August 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
After a total laryngectomy, there is likely no concern for aspiration. However, there are still structural changes that will impact swallowing function that the medical team should consider.
This content is only available to members.

Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) Scale

October 1, 2022 by Ashley Zhinin.
The Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) Scale was created to generate a measure of pharyngeal dysphagia as a toxicity endpoint. This material explains its background and how to determine safety and efficiency grades to obtain a global rating of pharyngeal swallowing function.
This content is only available to members.

Sjogren’s Syndrome and Dysphagia

October 1, 2022 by Ashley Zhinin.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes dry mouth, which can lead to dysphagia with reduced saliva production. This handout explains more about this disorder and provides some swallowing strategies to consider.
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.