Services
Swallow Science Melbourne provides specialist speech pathology services focused on swallowing, voice and upper airway disorders in adults.​ Our clinic is centred on advanced instrumental assessment, including swallow x-ray (videofluoroscopic swallow study, VFSS) and swallowing endoscopy (flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, FEES), alongside targeted therapy and management for complex presentations.
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We do not currently accept referrals for anyone under the age of 18 years.
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We welcome a shared-care model, where local speech pathologists request and may attend instrumental assessments for their clients to support ongoing local management and continuity of care.
Videofluoroscopic
Swallow Study (VFSS)
Also known as a swallow x-ray, is a dynamic imaging assessment used to evaluate how food and drink move through the mouth and throat during swallowing.
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VFSS allows detailed analysis of swallowing safety, efficiency and physiology, and is particularly valuable when the cause of swallowing difficulty is unclear or complex.
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
Also known as swallowing endoscopy, involves gently guiding a small flexible camera through the nose to visualise the throat during eating and drinking.
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FEES is used to assess airway protection, secretion management and structural or sensory changes affecting swallowing, and is especially useful in neurological presentations and in aged care, when travel to a radiology suite is prohibitive.
Dysphagia / Swallowing Therapy
Dysphagia therapy is individualised and may involve compensatory strategies, rehabilitative approaches or a combination of both, depending on the nature of the swallowing difficulty.
Therapy is guided by instrumental findings wherever possible and aims to support safe, efficient swallowing and quality of life.
Upper Airway Speech Pathology Treatment
Speech pathology management for upper airway disorders, including inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO), vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM), chronic cough and irritable larynx.
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Management is provided following medical assessment and focuses on symptom control and voice-related outcomes.
Voice Banking Services
Voice banking and voice preservation services for individuals at risk of future speech loss, including message banking and preparation for speech-generating devices.
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These services are most commonly used by people living with progressive neurological or complex communication conditions.
Who we commonly work with
Swallow Science Melbourne works with adults experiencing swallowing, voice and upper airway difficulties across a range of clinical contexts. We commonly support people living with:
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Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related movement disorders (PSP, MSA)
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
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Stroke and acquired brain injury
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Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO)
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Motor neurone disease (MND), myasthenia gravis (MG) and other neuromuscular conditions
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Chronic respiratory and complex medical conditions affecting swallowing or airway safety
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Age-related swallowing change (presbyphagia) and frailty-associated dysphagia, often seen in the residential aged care context.
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Progressive neurological and neurodegenerative conditions
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Complex and palliative care contexts where swallowing, comfort and quality of life are central considerations
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We work closely with referring clinicians and doctors to support complex presentations requiring instrumental assessment or second-line opinion.