Dysphagia Treatment

Helping You Regain Safe & Effective Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can make eating, drinking, and even speaking challenging. Whether caused by a neurological condition, stroke, or other health issues, dysphagia can impact nutrition, hydration, and overall well-being. At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, we provide specialized dysphagia treatment, including VitalStim® Therapy, to help patients regain strength, coordination, and confidence in swallowing.

Our experienced speech-language pathologists and rehabilitation specialists use evidence-based techniques, including neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and VitalStim® Therapy, to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Who We Help

We offer personalized dysphagia management for patients experiencing:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food and liquids
• Frequent coughing or choking while eating
• Feeling of food getting stuck in the throat
• Weakness or lack of control over swallowing muscles
• Aspiration risk leading to pneumonia
• Post-stroke swallowing impairments
• Swallowing issues due to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis

At CORE Center, we take a patient-centered approach to dysphagia rehabilitation, tailoring each treatment plan to meet individual needs and goals.

How Dysphasia Therapy can Help

Our therapy sessions focus on:

• Improving muscle strength and coordination for safer swallowing
• Reducing aspiration risk and related complications
• Teaching safe-swallow strategies and positioning for meals
• Offering diet texture and liquid consistency guidance when recommended
• Utilizing VitalStim® Therapy to stimulate and retrain swallowing muscles

What to Expect During Dysphagia Therapy

During your initial evaluation, our team will assess your swallowing function, identify challenges, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may include VitalStim® Therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), therapeutic swallowing exercises, and adaptive strategies to improve your ability to eat and drink safely.

Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) Study

In some cases, your SLP or physician may recommend a Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) Study to better understand why swallowing is difficult and how to improve safety.

What is an MBS?

An MBS is a specialized X-ray performed by our Radiology Department with a speech-language pathologist present. You’ll swallow small amounts of liquids and foods mixed with barium so your team can see how the swallow works in real time.

Why it’s ordered

An MBS helps identify:

• Whether liquids or foods are entering the airway (aspiration/penetration)
• Timing, strength, and coordination of each phase of the swallow
• Which strategies or diet textures improve safety and comfort
• Whether additional medical follow-up is recommended

What to expect

The study is brief and completed in one visit. Results are reviewed with you, and if therapy is indicated, your SLP will create a targeted plan based on your study.

Dysphagia Management at The Core Center

Dysphagia treatment, including VitalStim® Therapy, is available at The CORE Center:

• CORE Center – 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN

Schedule an Evaluation for Dysphagia Treatment

If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty swallowing, our specialists at CORE Center are here to help. Early intervention is key to preventing complications and improving quality of life.

Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule an appointment and start your path toward safer, more comfortable swallowing.