Specialist assessment and therapy for swallowing difficulties in Hampshire
Dysphagia - difficulty swallowing - can affect eating, drinking, and quality of life. I provide thorough clinical assessment and practical, evidence-based therapy for adults across Hampshire, with no GP referral required.
Could this be you?
Swallowing difficulties often develop gradually and go unreported for longer than they should. Common signs include:
- Coughing or choking during or after eating or drinking
- A sensation of food or liquid sticking in the throat or chest
- A wet or gurgly voice quality after meals
- Needing to swallow multiple times to clear food
- Avoiding certain foods or textures
- Taking much longer than usual to finish a meal
- Unexplained weight loss or recurrent chest infections
- Drooling or difficulty managing saliva
Causes & conditions
Dysphagia is always caused by something else. I work with adults whose swallowing difficulties arise from:
Stroke
Swallowing difficulties are common after stroke and often respond well to early specialist therapy
Parkinson's disease
Progressive changes to muscle control can affect all stages of swallowing
Multiple sclerosis
Dysphagia can occur at any stage of MS and varies with relapse and progression
Head & neck cancer
Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can all significantly affect swallowing function
Motor neurone disease
Specialist assessment and management to maintain safe eating and drinking for as long as possible
Age-related changes
Swallowing function naturally changes with age - assessment can identify what's safe and what strategies help
The assessment process
Pre-assessment questionnaire
I'll ask about your medical history, when difficulties started, and what symptoms you've noticed - so we can use appointment time efficiently.
Clinical interview
We talk through your experience in your own words - what mealtimes look like, what worries you most, and what your goals are.
Oral motor examination
A non-invasive assessment of the strength, coordination, and movement of the muscles involved in eating and swallowing.
Observation of eating & drinking
I observe you managing a range of food and drink textures, watching for signs of difficulty at any stage of the swallow.
Written report & recommendations
A detailed report for you, your GP, or other healthcare professionals - with a clear management plan - usually within 7 working days.
FAQs
Do I need a GP referral?
No - you can self-refer directly without needing to go through your GP first. If you're unsure whether an assessment is right for you, a free 15-minute discovery call is a good first step.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes - assessments take place in your home across Hampshire, which also allows me to observe your normal mealtime environment. Video appointments are available for some aspects of assessment and for follow-up sessions.
What if I need further investigation?
If I think an instrumental assessment - such as a videofluoroscopy or FEES - is warranted, I'll discuss this with you and facilitate an appropriate onward referral.
Can you support someone with dementia?
Yes. Dysphagia is common in people living with dementia. I'm experienced in adapting assessments and recommendations to the individual's cognitive level and will always involve family members or carers as appropriate.
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Ready to get support?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your situation - no referral needed.
Get in touch