MyChart Logo MGH
Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890.
Ehs 01 Web Banner

Rehabilitation Specialty Programs



Feeding & Swallowing Rehabilitation Program

The Elliot Rehabilitation Services team is dedicated to maximizing independence & safety in all areas of feeding & swallowing, from infancy to our geriatric populations. Commonly seen diagnoses include:

  • Dysphagia
  • Failure to Thrive
  • Oral Motor Dysfunction
  • Craniofacial Anomalies
  • Neurological, Genetic &/or Congenital Diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux
  • Facial Paralysis &/or Paresis
  • Vocal Fold Paralysis &/or Paresis
  • Oral Aversions
  • Feeding Difficulties in Newborn
  • Sensory Processing Differences
  • Prematurity
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Feeding dysfunction can impact all areas of daily life & can be challenged by a number of systemic approaches. Our therapists are skilled at identifying performance skill deficits and develop interventions and strategies to address these challenges.


Approach

Our therapists work with a patient-centered focus to determine a treatment plan that assures maximal success.  We will utilize a variety of advanced therapy techniques including:

  • Sensory Based Feeding Therapy
  • Play Based Feeding Therapy
  • Desensitization Techniques
  • Behavioral Modifications
  • Adaptive Equipment Implementation
  • Diet Modification
  • Compensatory Strategy Instruction
  • Oral Motor &/or Pharyngeal Habilitation/Rehabilitation
  • Collaboration with involved providers (Primary Care, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary, Otolaryngology)


Advanced Care/Expertise

Our feeding therapists include occupational & speech therapists with advanced feeding/swallowing rehabilitation training. Many of our clinicians have post professional training including experience working with strategies from Beckman Oral Motor and Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding. Throughout care plans, strategies are shared with patients and caregivers to support carryover of techniques at home. Due to the environment’s impact upon feeding participation, transition of skills to alternate environments is a continuous focus during treatment with end goal of performance being duplicated outside of sessions for discharge.

Elliot Rehabilitation Services has a strong collaboration with Elliot Gastroenterology, Elliot Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elliot NICU Follow-Up Program and Elliot Cancer Center.


Locations

Elliot Rehabilitation Services / Wellness Center (PT/OT/SLP)

Elliot Rehabilitation Services / Pediatric Rehab

Inpatient Rehabilitation Services (PT/OT/SLP)


Related Services

Pediatric Program
Neurological Rehab
Parkinson's Disease