Speech Therapy for Swallowing Disorders in Menlo Park and San Jose, CA
Personalized Therapy for Swallowing and Feeding Challenges
Difficulty swallowing, also known as “dysphagia,” can affect the health and emotional well-being of you or your child, and may raise the risk of choking or aspiration (when food goes down the airway). Whether the cause is physical, behavioral, or both, our therapists at Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services create a personalized treatment plan to improve safety, comfort, and enjoyment during meals.
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a condition that makes eating and swallowing a challenge. It can occur before food enters the mouth, as it moves through the throat, or as it travels down the esophagus. It may be caused by neurological conditions, developmental delays, injury, aging, or complications after surgery. Dysphagia is highly treatable, and we take time to understand the root cause of your or your child’s condition in order to create a customized therapy plan for safe, comfortable swallowing.
Signs of Dysphagia
Common signs of dysphagia include:
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Gurgly voice after swallowing
- Extreme pickiness, like refusing certain textures
- Weight loss in adults, slow weight gain in children
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Prolonged chewing or holding food in the mouth
- Anxiety or fear around mealtimes
Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services takes time to carefully evaluate you or your child’s medical history and mealtime patterns to create a treatment plan specific to your goals.
How Speech Therapy Helps with Swallowing Disorders
Speech therapy for dysphagia focuses on strengthening the muscles used for chewing and swallowing, and practicing ways to eat and drink that lower the risk of choking or gagging. Depending on your needs or your child’s, therapy may include:
- Exercises to strengthen mouth and throat muscles
- Strategies to improve chewing and swallowing coordination
- Postural or positioning techniques during meals
- Adjusting food and liquid textures
- Parent education and home practice plans
- Collaboration with your doctor or dietitian when needed
For children, we use playful, low-pressure approaches to teach safe swallowing techniques, helping meals feel more comfortable and enjoyable. For adults, therapy focuses on restoring comfort and confidence after a stroke, surgery, or neurological changes.
Why Choose Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services for Swallowing Support?
for you or your child.
Reach Out Today to Get Started
Whether your child is facing feeding challenges or you’re having trouble swallowing, we’re here to help. At Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services, we provide the treatment and tools needed for safe, confident swallowing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Menlo Park or San Jose location. We’ll guide you through the next steps and help you or your child enjoy mealtimes again.