I know it's been awhile. I've missed the community, but I just haven't had the energy to write! This may be a little long, so bear with me. In August I had to go to the gynecologist to have my Mirena changed. I'm just not thinking more children are in my plans, but you never [...]
Blog
Oral Care
The First Thing.... When I assess a patient with dysphagia, my first plan of attack is to teach the patient about oral care and start an oral care plan with that patient! Aspiration Aspiration is defined as the inhalation of either oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the lower airways, that is, the act of taking [...]
Respiratory Muscle Strength Training
Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training Inspiratory strength training works on the muscles of inspiration the diaphragm, the intercostals. Inspiration involves contractions of the diaphragm and external intercostals, which increase intrathoracic volume and decreased volume in pressure. Respiration is a recoil from inspiration. Exhalation involves relaxation of the inhalation muscles, recruitment of abdominal and internal intercostals to force [...]
The SLP and the Dining Room no
My dining room story.... I can't even count how many times I have started work in a new building or started a new PRN job and been told meal times so that I can go sit with patients during their meals for their therapy time. It's easy, right. I go sit in the dining room [...]
Lingual Strengthening Using Resistance
Research Research by Dr. Lazarus and Dr. Robbins has focused heavily on lingual strengthening. Many of these research articles have proven to us that lingual strengthening using resistance such as an IOPI does increase not only tongue strength and at times, tongue mass, but also improves the overall swallow. This same research has also shown us that using [...]
Exercise
Recent and some previous dysphagia literature emphasizes the use of exercise physiology. Researchers such Lazarus et. al, Robbins et.al, Burkhead et. al and Clark have published the need for incorporating exercise physiology into dysphagia therapy. They emphasize the need to understand the muscles involved in the swallowing mechanism, understand their function so that you can [...]
CTAR (Chin Tuck Against Resistance)
Way back in 2014...... Way back in 2014, an article was published describing Chin Tuck Against Resistance. When we look at patients with dysphagia from Pharyngoesophageal Segment (PES) dysfunction, we look at strengthening the suprahyoid muscles. These muscles assist in hyolaryngeal excursion and therefore play a part in esophageal opening. Isokinetic vs. Isometric CTAR vs [...]
Pudding and a Straw
Picture from: http://www.busymomboutique.com Looking for an exercise. Haven't you always wanted a very simple exercise [...]
September Book Winners!!!
Congratulations Sarah.coletti1@gmail.com and slpbrooke@gmail.com!! You both win a copy of the Dysphagia Pocketguide!! Email me at dysphagiaramblings@gmail.com with your name and address and I will get the books to you. Congratulations!!!
FEES Following Extubation
The 1998 Paper Leder, Cohn and Moller investigated the incidence of aspiration following extubation in critically ill trauma patients. The study looked at 20 patients who required oropharyngeal intubation for at least 48 hours. All FEES were completed around 24 hours following extubation. Remember, aspiration is when the bolus enters the airway, below the level [...]