When facing the journey of head and neck cancer, one of the most unexpected challenges that patients might encounter is the impact on their ability to eat and drink. The toll this illness takes on speech and swallowing can be profound, affecting not only physical functions but emotional well-being as well. However, amidst this chaos, there is a glimmer of hope: speech therapy.
Swallowing difficulties, known medically as dysphagia, are a common challenge during head and neck cancer treatment. Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy in Cherry Hill, NJ plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, focusing on strengthening muscles, improving coordination, and restoring functional abilities. With the guidance of skilled therapists, patients learn to navigate these hurdles with resilience and determination.
Preventing Changes Starts Before Treatment
Before starting your treatment plan, a speech-language pathologist can give you exercises
to help prevent any issues with swallowing. This part is often forgotten when focusing on establishing a treatment protocol. Completing dysphagia exercises is vital to avoid changes that may occur with radiation therapy. Radiation can make the muscles in your mouth, throat, and esophagus stiffen. The effects of radiation might not show up immediately, so it's crucial to complete exercises to prevent future problems.
The Journey to Recovery
After undergoing the challenging journey of head and neck cancer treatment, individuals often face a range of difficulties that can impact their daily lives, including the ability to enjoy eating and drinking. Speech therapy plays a crucial role in helping these brave survivors regain their ability to savor their favorite foods and beverages.
Dysphagia therapy involves a combination of exercises, techniques, and strategies aimed at strengthening the muscles involved in swallowing and improving coordination to enhance overall swallowing function. Therapists work closely with patients to help them relearn how to swallow safely and effectively, allowing them to eat and drink with confidence and enjoyment once again.
Beyond the physical aspects of swallowing, speech therapy also addresses the emotional and psychological impact of the cancer journey. Many survivors may experience anxiety, frustration, or self-consciousness related to changes in their ability to eat and drink. Speech therapists provide support and guidance to help individuals navigate these challenges and improve their overall quality of life.
When to Seek Speech Therapy
If you or a loved one are undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, it is advisable to consider incorporating speech therapy into your treatment plan. Speech therapy can play a beneficial role before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Speech therapy can offer assistance in the following ways:
Providing a comprehensive understanding of how treatment may impact your swallowing function.
Offering exercises to help maintain the strength and flexibility of your swallowing muscles, especially during radiation therapy.
Providing guidance on choosing appropriate and safe food and drink options during and after radiation therapy.
Assisting in the preservation of your swallowing ability post-treatment to prevent any potential long-term or delayed changes.
Helping determine the necessity of instrumental swallowing assessments, such as a modified barium swallow study.
Speech and Swallowing Therapy Services in Cherry Hill
Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy offers specialized speech therapy services in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Sophia Apgar, MA CCC-SLP is an experienced professional who provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for individuals both pre- and post-head and neck cancer treatment. By tailoring individualized treatment strategies, our goal is to enable patients to regain independence and return to enjoying their favorite foods and drinks.
About the Author
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Sophia Apgar is experienced in the evaluation and treatment of speech and dysphagia in those with head and neck cancer. All treatment is customized to meet individual goals.Â
For personalized speech and swallowing therapy in Cherry Hill and the surrounding South Jersey/Philadelphia Area, reach out today! Speech therapy services are offered in their Cherry Hill, NJ office, in your home in South Jersey, and virtually in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Call (856) 200-8392 or visit  https://www.insightspeechandswallowing.com/
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