Tag: Conditions and Diseases
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Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST) and Dysphagia
RMST has strong implications for dysphagia treatment, is surprisingly easy to implement, and (bonus!) is pretty affordable. Whether you’re working in acute care, SNFs, or home health, this is something you’ll want to have in your clinical back pocket. What is RMST? RMST involves strengthening the muscles responsible for inspiration and expiration. There are two…
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Exercise in Dysphagia Therapy: Let’s Get Functional
Recent—and not-so-recent—dysphagia literature has made one thing very clear: exercise physiology belongs in swallowing rehab. Researchers like Lazarus, Robbins, Burkhead, and Clark have emphasized that understanding the muscles involved in swallowing—and how they actually function—is key to designing exercises that work. Spoiler alert: just having someone swallow applesauce with a side of hope isn’t enough.…
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Measuring Lingual Range of Motion
The content emphasizes the importance of measuring lingual range of motion in addition to strength for effective tongue function assessment. A new validated scale categorizes tongue movement into four domains: protrusion, lateralization, and elevation. This comprehensive approach, especially for post-oral surgery patients, enhances evaluations, treatment planning, and overall quality of life outcomes.
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Rethinking NSOMEs: Why Swallowing Should Be the Core of Dysphagia Therapy
The discussion on Non-Speech Oral Motor Exercises (NSOMEs) prompts a reevaluation of their effectiveness in dysphagia therapy. These exercises, detached from actual swallowing, may not lead to significant improvement. Emphasizing the importance of specificity, therapists should focus on functional swallowing exercises backed by evidence to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and neuroplasticity.
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The Dummies Guide to Dysphagia
Dysphagia often goes unnoticed until it affects eating and drinking. Educating patients about swallowing is crucial in therapy. Swallowing involves complex muscle coordination and various cranial nerves. To treat dysphagia effectively, understanding its anatomy and utilizing evidence-based strategies are essential for rebuilding strength and coordination necessary for safe swallowing.
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Understanding Electrodes for NMES: Impedance, Adherence, and Clinical Impact
NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) is debated in dysphagia therapy, with mixed research outcomes. Electrode design is crucial for effective therapy, impacting impedance and comfort. Various electrodes are compared, outlining features, costs, pros, and cons. Ultimately, NMES efficacy relies on a comprehensive approach including patient engagement and targeted exercises.
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Dysphagia Ramblings 