Specialty Focus in Treating Voice & Swallowing Disorders

Specialty Services Include:

  • Videostroboscopy for visualization and assessment of the vocal cords and voice
  • LSVT-LOUD and SPEAKOUT! programs addressing voice changes related to Parkinson's Disease
  • Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) including a camera view of swallow function and education on diet recommendations for safety
  • Myofascial Release addressing treatment of tightness in the mouth and throat after radiation therapy, various surgeries in the head/neck area, and other changes affecting the mouth or throat area
  • Neuro-Muscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) assisting in muscle recruitment to strengthen the swallowing muscles
  • Convenient Tele-Therapy therapy provided over secure, HIPPA-compliant audio-video via smartphone or computer
  • Transgender/ Gender Affirming Voice & Communication Services helping individuals find their authentic voice through exploration of:
    • Pitch
    • Resonance
    • Gesture / Non-verbal communication
    • Articulation
    • Intonation / Flow of speech
Treatments for Difficulty Swallowing:                                                   Vocal Cord Dysfunction Treatment:
Gender-Spectrum Voice Services at CVH:                                                     Voice and Swallowing in Parkinsons' Disease:
What should I expect with Voice Therapy or Swallow Therapy?

Therapy Addressing:

Voice
  • Vocal strain, voice loss
  • Hoarseness
  • Vocal fatigue
  • Nodules, Polyps, Cysts
  • Muscle Tension Dysphonia
  • Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion/ Vocal Cord Dysfunction/ Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (abnormal movement of the vocal cords)
  • Professional voice concerns
  • Transgender / Gender-affirming Voice & Communication
  • Paralyzed vocal cords
  • Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
  • Neurological conditions inclusive of Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy
  • Vocal tremor
  • Chronic cough / Chronic throat clearing
  • Spasmodic Dysphonia

Swallowing
  • Coughing with eating/drinking
  • Aspiration / aspiration pneumonia
  • Chewing or swallowing difficulty post-radiation or mouth/throat surgery
  • Difficulty managing saliva
  • Difficulty chewing or manipulating food in the mouth
  • Globus sensation (the sensation of something sticking in the throat or a "lump" in the throat)
  • Difficulty swallowing pills