Nonsurgical treatment: swallowing rehabilitation

This article provides an overview of nonsurgical and nonpharmacologic treatments for oropharyngeal dysphagia. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the primary member of the swallowing management team who will provide this type of dysphagia management. The primary focus of the SLP for dysphagia management is first to eliminate or reduce aspiration risk, as well as to improve or restore swallowing function. Ultimately, the management plan will depend on the physiologic underpinnings of the disorder and patient variables such as cognition, motivation, and ability to attend therapy sessions or participate in therapy.