Dysphagia Rehabilitation
Rebuild Safe Swallowing. Restore Confidence with Every Bite.
We know that swallowing difficulties can impact more than just eating; they affect health, nutrition, independence, and quality of life. Our Dysphagia Rehabilitation service is designed to help children and adults strengthen swallowing, improve safety, and regain confidence at mealtimes.
Our expert speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use evidence-based techniques to address weak or disordered coughs, chewing and swallowing difficulties, and challenges coordinating breathing during functional activities. Through a personalized, compassionate approach, we help patients overcome swallowing challenges caused by neurological injury, developmental conditions, or age-related changes.
How We Help
Our licensed SLPs provide thorough evaluation and targeted treatment plans tailored to each individual. Dysphagia therapy may include:
- Personalized swallowing evaluations to identify specific difficulties
- Targeted therapy plans designed for individual needs
- Swallowing exercises to strengthen muscles and improve safety
- Safe eating strategies and positioning education
- Diet texture recommendations when necessary
- Ongoing progress monitoring and support
- Collaboration with caregivers and other providers
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES / VitalStim) to support muscle strengthening
Who Can Benefit
Dysphagia rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages, including:
- People recovering from a stroke or brain injury
- Individuals with Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or MS
- Children or adults with developmental delays
- Older adults experiencing age-related swallowing changes
- Anyone with persistent coughing, throat clearing, or food avoidance
Common Symptoms Addressed
Patients experiencing any of the following may benefit from therapy:
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Food or liquid “going down the wrong pipe.”
- A sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
- Drooling or difficulty managing saliva
- Wet or gurgly voice after meals
- Avoiding certain food textures
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
Specialized Dysphagia Services at Origami
- VitalStim / NMES: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to strengthen swallowing muscles
- LSVT LOUD & Speak OUT: Programs for voice and communication therapy are often paired with swallowing support
- McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program: Evidence-based intensive swallowing therapy
Serving Communities Across Michigan
Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for children and adults experiencing swallowing and communication difficulties at our locations in Mason, West Lansing, South Lansing, and Grand Blanc. We proudly serve individuals and families throughout Mid-Michigan and across the state with specialized dysphagia rehabilitation services, bringing expert care close to home.