Swallowing Assessment, Therapy and Support

Clear answers, practical recommendations and individualised support for adults experiencing swallowing, secretion, cough, voice or upper airway concerns.

Assessment and therapy, including FEES and VFSS, led by
Dr Lillian Krikheli PhD, Certified Practising Speech Pathologist.

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We offer flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), dysphagia therapy, secretion management, upper airway retraining therapy and voice banking, with care grounded in clinical evidence, instrumental assessment and clear communication with health care teams.

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CARING – COMMITTED – EXPERIENCED

Swallowing and upper airway concerns can be complex. It may not always be clear which assessment is needed, what symptoms mean or where to begin.

At Swallow Science Melbourne, we take the time to understand the whole picture. Assessment considers your symptoms, medical history, priorities and everyday experiences. Findings are explained clearly, with practical recommendations for you and the people involved in your care.

Dedicated
Adult-Focused
Care

Focused on complex adult swallowing, secretion, voice and upper airway concerns

Accessible Instrumental Assessments

Access to endoscopy and
x-ray when more detailed investigation is required

Clear, Individualised Next Steps

Time to understand your concerns, explain findings + develop recommendations

Collaborative and Connected Care

Clear communication with your doctors, allied health or broader healthcare team

SPEECH PATHOLOGY SERVICES WE OFFER

In-Clinic Assessment

Suitable for determining why eating, drinking or swallowing has become difficult and what further assessment or management may be appropriate.

Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS)

Provides a moving X-ray image of swallowing to examine how food, drink and medication move through the mouth and throat. It can also be used to trial strategies and support individualised recommendations

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)

Uses a small flexible camera passed through the nose to view the throat and swallowing structures. Assists with assessment of secretion management, airway protection, fatigue and swallowing across a longer meal or repeated trials

Chronic Cough

Therapy, including education and cough suppression strategies to reduce laryngeal irritation.

(ENT or Respiratory Physician diagnosis and letter required)

VCD / ILO

Vocal cord dysfunction or inducible laryngeal obstruction. Therapy, including education and breathing retraining and techniques to reduce laryngeal irritation.

(ENT or Respiratory Physician diagnosis and letter required)

Voice banking and communication planning

Voice banking allows a person to record their voice for possible use in future communication technology.

Swallow Science Melbourne provides practical support with choosing a voice banking option, preparing for recording and completing the process.

This service may be helpful for people living with motor neurone disease or another condition that may affect speech over time.

Compensatory strategies

Provision of strategies to support safer or more efficient eating and drinking. May include changes to positioning, pacing or mouthful size with advice about food and drink textures and swallowing medications.

Rehabilitation and exercise

May include speech and swallowing strength, movement or coordination programs where appropriate. sEMG-guided skill-based swallowing practice and biofeedback using BiSSkApp is available.

Carer education and supported decision making

Provision of education and training for family members, carers or support workers

Don't know where to start? Let us help you find the right service below:

Caulfield South Specialist Centre

478 Kooyong Rd, Caulfield South, VIC, 3162

(Parking available on Saturn St. Entry via Kooyong Rd)