Q: Why do swallowing and speech often change after a stroke or surgery?
A: Both stroke and surgery can disrupt the muscles, nerves, and coordination needed for safe swallowing and clear speech. This can result in:
- Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty): Coughing, choking, or food sticking in the throat.
- Aspiration risk: Food or liquid entering the airway.
- Speech changes: Slurred speech, reduced clarity, or weak voice.
- Breathing/swallowing mismatch: Difficulty coordinating breath with eating or speaking.
Q: What are the risks of swallowing difficulties?
A: Swallowing changes are more than inconvenient—they can lead to:
- Pneumonia (from aspiration)
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Prolonged hospital stays
- Reduced quality of life (avoiding social meals, frustration, anxiety)
Q: How does therapy help after a stroke or surgery?
A: At BreatheWorks, therapy supports recovery by:
- Swallow retraining: Exercises to improve timing, strength, and airway protection.
- Oral motor therapy: Strengthening lips, tongue, and jaw for efficient swallowing and speech.
- Breathing retraining: Restoring nasal breathing and safe coordination with swallowing.
- Speech therapy support: Improving clarity, articulation, and vocal strength.
- Diet modification coaching: Strategies to keep meals safe while building progress.
Q: What specific techniques are used?
A: Depending on needs, therapy may include:
- Effortful swallow or supraglottic swallow drills
- Lingual strengthening exercises (tongue-to-palate resistance, lateralization)
- Postural adjustments during eating to protect the airway
- Breath control training for safe speech and swallow timing
- Sensory stimulation strategies to trigger a stronger swallow reflex
(All exercises are customized after evaluation—never “one size fits all.”)
Q: How soon should therapy start after stroke or surgery?
A: The earlier, the better. Therapy within days to weeks of the event leads to better outcomes. Even if months or years have passed, therapy can still improve swallowing safety and speech function.
Q: Can therapy be done virtually?
A: Yes. Our telehealth therapy matches in-person care. Virtual sessions provide:
- Live coaching for swallowing and speech drills
- Guidance for safe mealtime strategies at home
- Caregiver training to support recovery
- Progress tracking and adjustments over time
This allows patients to continue therapy even if travel or mobility is difficult.
Q: Where do you provide care?
A: In-person care is available at:
- Portland, Oregon
- Eugene, Oregon
- Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Bellevue, Washington
- Amarillo, Texas
We also provide virtual therapy nationwide.
Quick FAQs
Can swallowing improve after stroke? Yes—therapy retrains muscles and coordination, often improving safety and efficiency.
What foods are safest with swallowing problems? Soft, moist foods are often easier, but recommendations depend on evaluation.
Can speech return to normal after stroke? Many patients regain clarity and strength with consistent therapy.
How long does swallowing therapy take? Improvements can begin within weeks, with steady progress over months.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one are experiencing swallowing or speech changes after a stroke or surgery,myofunctional therapy can restore safety, confidence, and quality of life.
- Schedule a swallowing & speech recovery evaluation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers: Refer a patient to BreatheWorks
