WildFlower Therapy
Specialized Rehabilitation for People With Head & Neck Cancer
Cancer treatment can change how you swallow, speak, open your mouth, and manage swelling. Our private practice focuses on helping people with head and neck cancer address treatment-related changes through individualized rehabilitation and practical guidance.
Our Mission
At Wildflower, we are a community-based adult speech therapy clinic dedicated to providing specialized, compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs
Our mission is to deliever a patient-centered approach that blends clinical care with a holistic, hands-on experience. We focus on empowering adults in their daily lives by addressing communication, swallowing, and functional challenges with care, creativity, and connection
What We Can Help With
Your rehabilitation plan begins with an evaluation. We help you understand the changes you are experiencing and choose strategies that fit your medical needs and goals.
Swallowing Difficulties
Evaluation and therapy for oral and pharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) during and after head and neck cancer treatment. We tailor swallowing rehabilitation to your symptoms, eating and drinking goals, and findings from medical and swallowing assessments.
Head and neck swelling
Evaluation and management of head and neck lymphedema, including individualized drainage techniques, compression guidance, movement, and home care when appropriate.
Reduced mouth opening
Evaluation and rehabilitation for limited jaw opening, also called trismus, with individualized exercises and guided use of tools when appropriate.
Tissue tightness and scar changes
Assessment and rehabilitation of head and neck radiation fibrosis, soft tissue changes, and scar-related stiffness following cancer treatment. Individualized soft tissue and scar management techniques are selected based on your symptoms, tissue condition, and recovery goals.
Communication changes
Speech and voice rehabilitation after head and neck cancer treatment, including alaryngeal communication following total laryngectomy. We focus on esophageal speech and electrolarynx use to support everyday communication.
We do not provide tracheoesophageal speech services or TEP troubleshooting. For these needs, we recommend Dr. Kerry Lenius at the University of Florida.
Fiberendoscopic Swallowing Evaluation
Uses a small, flexible camera passed through the nose to assess throat anatomy, secretion management, and swallowing with food and liquids. This evaluation helps identify swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) after head and neck cancer treatment and guide individualized swallowing therapy and recommendations.
Cost of evaluation $500
Meet Lauren Meffen
Lauren Meffen, MA, CCC-SLP, CLT, is a speech-language pathologist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a clinical focus on head and neck cancer rehabilitation. Her work includes swallowing, jaw movement, head and neck lymphedema, and communication changes following treatment.
Please Note: Head & Neck Rehab provides professional education and resources; clinical appointments are provided through Wildflower Therapy.
Gainesville Clinic Address
Location:
4040 Newberry Road, Suite 1500,
Gainesville, FL 32607
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM EST
Wednesday: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM EST
Phone Number:
(352) 283-0595
Fax Number:
(352) 600-3385
Lake City Clinic Address
Location:
1283 FL-47, Suite 101
Lake City, FL 32025
Hours of Operation:
Thursday 9:00 AM-2:00 PM EST
Phone Number:
(352) 283-0595
Fax Number:
(352) 600-3385
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Do You Treat?
Do I Need a Referral
Do You Accept My Insurance
Do You Offer Virtual Visits
Can My Caretaker/Family/Partner Join?
Can I Start During Cancer Treatment?
Take the Next Step Toward Care
Contact our team at [email protected] to ask about an evaluation, discuss scheduling, or learn whether our practice is the right fit for your needs.
If head and neck cancer treatment has affected swallowing, communication, jaw movement, or swelling, contact our practice to explore rehabilitation options that fit your needs.
Request an Appointment