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Advanced Swallowing Assessment & Therapy In Fort Smith

Advanced Swallowing Assessment & Therapy in Port Smith

Are you or a loved one struggling with swallowing difficulties? At Therapists in Motion, we understand how challenging and frustrating swallowing disorders can be. Our advanced swallowing assessment and therapy services combine cutting-edge technology with expert care to help you eat, drink, and live more comfortably.

Revolutionary Swallowing Care in Port Smith

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can impact every aspect of your life – from enjoying meals with family to maintaining proper nutrition. That’s why Therapists in Motion proudly offers the region’s most advanced swallowing assessment and treatment technologies. As Port Smith’s exclusive provider of Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and AmpCare’s Effective Swallowing Protocol (ESP), we deliver precise diagnosis and effective treatment for various swallowing disorders.

Our Advanced Technology Solutions

High-Tech Swallow Study

Our comprehensive High-Tech Swallow Study represents the future of dysphagia assessment. This advanced diagnostic approach combines:

  • State-of-the-art imaging technology
  • Real-time swallowing analysis
  • Detailed digital documentation
  • Immediate results interpretation
  • Zero radiation exposure
  • Comfortable, patient-friendly procedure

The High-Tech Swallow Study allows us to observe your swallowing function with unprecedented clarity, enabling more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment planning.

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

FEES is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that revolutionizes how we assess swallowing disorders. This procedure involves:

  • A thin, flexible endoscope with high-definition camera
  • Direct visualization of the throat and swallowing structures
  • Real-time observation of swallowing function
  • Ability to test different food and liquid consistencies
  • Immediate feedback during the assessment
  • Minimal discomfort and no radiation exposure

Benefits of FEES include:

  • More natural eating position during assessment
  • Extended observation time if needed
  • Ability to evaluate secretion management
  • Clear visualization of before, during, and after swallowing
  • Immediate results for faster treatment planning

AmpCare’s Effective Swallowing Protocol (ESP)

AmpCare ESP represents the latest advancement in swallowing therapy technology. This FDA-cleared treatment system offers:

How It Works:

  • Targeted neuromuscular electrical stimulation
  • Specific placement of electrodes for optimal muscle activation
  • Synchronized exercises with electrical stimulation
  • Progressive treatment protocols

Treatment Benefits:

  • Strengthens weakened swallowing muscles
  • Improves muscle coordination during swallowing
  • Enhances swallowing safety and efficiency
  • Accelerates recovery through targeted stimulation
  • Provides measurable progress tracking

What to Expect:

  • Comfortable, non-invasive treatment sessions
  • Customized stimulation levels
  • Guided exercises and activities
  • Regular progress assessments
  • Home program integration

Who Can Benefit from Our Advanced Swallowing Services?

Our specialized care supports patients with:

  • Head and neck cancer-related swallowing challenges
  • Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis
  • Age-related swallowing difficulties
  • Post-treatment swallowing complications
  • Unexplained swallowing problems

State-of-the-Art Technology Meets Expert Care

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Our FEES assessment provides real-time visualization of your swallowing function using a small, flexible endoscope. This minimally invasive procedure allows us to:

  • Observe your swallowing pattern in action
  • Identify specific areas of difficulty
  • Create targeted treatment plans
  • Monitor progress over time

AmpCare’s Effective Swallowing Protocol (ESP)

As an FDA-cleared treatment, AmpCare ESP represents the latest advancement in swallowing therapy. This innovative system:

  • Uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation
  • Strengthens key swallowing muscles
  • Improves swallowing coordination
  • Enhances overall swallowing safety

The Therapists in Motion Difference

Precise Diagnosis

Our high-tech swallowing assessments provide:

  • Detailed imaging of swallowing function
  • Immediate results and insights
  • Data-driven treatment planning
  • Regular progress monitoring

Customized Treatment Plans

Every patient receives a personalized therapy program that:

  • Targets specific swallowing challenges
  • Adapts to your progress
  • Incorporates latest treatment protocols
  • Focuses on meaningful outcomes

Key Benefits of Advanced Swallowing Therapy

1. Accurate Diagnosis

  • Real-time imaging during assessment
  • Precise identification of swallowing difficulties
  • Clear visualization of treatment needs
  • Evidence-based diagnostic approach

2. Improved Swallowing Function

  • Enhanced muscle strength and coordination
  • Better swallowing control
  • Increased eating and drinking safety
  • Measurable functional improvements

3. Enhanced Quality of Life

  • More enjoyable dining experiences
  • Reduced anxiety during meals
  • Greater social confidence
  • Improved nutritional intake

4. Reduced Health Risks

  • Lower risk of aspiration
  • Decreased chance of pneumonia
  • Better nutritional status
  • Fewer swallowing-related complications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a High-Tech Swallow Study?

Our advanced swallow study uses state-of-the-art endoscopic technology (FEES) to observe your swallowing function in real-time. Unlike traditional x-ray based studies, FEES requires no radiation exposure and provides immediate, detailed images of your swallowing process. This allows us to identify exactly where and how your swallowing difficulty occurs, leading to more precise and effective treatment plans.

How Long Does AmpCare ESP Treatment Take?

Treatment duration varies based on individual needs, but many patients begin noticing improvements within 4-6 weeks of consistent therapy. A typical treatment plan includes:

  • 30-45 minute sessions
  • 2-3 sessions per week
  • Regular progress assessments
  • Ongoing home exercise programs

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation using our advanced diagnostic tools. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan combining AmpCare ESP with targeted exercises and strategies. Throughout your care, we’ll regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan to ensure optimal results.

Meet Your Expert Care Provider

Danni Welch, MS CCC-SLP

Founder / Speech Language Pathologist

Danni brings extensive experience in treating complex swallowing disorders using the latest technological advances. As a certified Speech Language Pathologist with specialized training in FEES and AmpCare ESP, she ensures each patient receives the highest quality care for their swallowing needs.

Take the First Step Toward Better Swallowing

Don’t let swallowing difficulties control your life. Contact Therapists in Motion today to schedule your comprehensive swallowing assessment.

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Ashleigh Wilson

Great atmosphere, the employees and therapist are really great to work with. They have helped me alot in my journey since I found them. I definitely recommend giving them a call!

Rhonda Haynes

I fell and broke my patella. As soon as medically possible I called Therapy in Motion to have a visit with an OT and PT. Best decision ever. They scheduled times quickly and both were a wealth of knowledge and experience which will cut my recovery time and get me back to normal life as soon as possible! Thank you!