Create Your Dysphagia Toolbox

Course Description: Dysphagia therapy is a big part of our practice. We often have a tight budget to work with and our purchases have an impact on the therapies and techniques we can offer our patients. The equipment needs to be sturdy and allow us to challenge our patients. Our decisions are often made based on our experience with what has worked for us in therapy as well as evidence-based practice. What does the literature say about swallowing and non-swallowing exercises? Some tools are easy to “create” while others are fairly costly but could help improve our outcomes. We need tools and techniques that can challenge our patients as their skills and strength improve. What tools would we recommend our patients utilize for their therapy program? Without knowing what the tools accomplish patients and families may be reluctant to purchase out of pocket. We can educate our patients and families on the benefits of specific therapy tools. So, what’s in our toolbox?