The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI)

Speech therapy for swallowing is a physical rehabilitation program conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist offered at our Lake Mary, Orange City and DeLand office locations. Therapy is based on an individualized treatment plan with objectives and specific goals for each patient. Our speech-language pathologists are certified to use specialized equipment for the treatment of swallowing disorders such as the IOPI (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument).

Strength is defined as the ability to produce force against resistance. Resistance exercises used to strengthen the swallowing muscles must provide overload and an increase in intensity to ensure the overload is maintained. Exercise should tax the swallowing muscles beyond their typical use. As therapy continues, the intensity of the swallowing exercises should increase in order to ensure that the muscles continue to be taxed beyond typical use. The IOPI can provide measurements of lip and tongue strength and provides both resistance and overload. This device offers an air-filled bulb, which the lips or tongue press against. Recordings of strength are digitally shown. The IOPI offers feedback and the ability to increase intensity to insure muscle overload is maintained. It also measures and monitors fatigue. Tongue exercises using the IOPI will increase the strength of swallowing pressure. Speech therapy sessions for swallowing are typically scheduled three times per week for eight to ten weeks (based on individual needs and progress) for approximately 30 minutes “one on one” with the therapist.

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