Exercises That Can Help Your Dysphagia

Exercises That may assist with your dysphagia

You also know that it is sometimes difficult or even frightening to swallow when you live with dysphagia in Houston or anywhere else. The good news? Simple exercises may help.

At Gastrodoxs, we consider that through the practice and guidance you can be safe and enhance your swallowing power.

Many of my patients have not only been able to regain confidence and control with the help of the right swallowing exercises, says Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a GI and swallowing care specialist based in Houston.

This paper will take you through six useful dysphagia exercises. You will find out how they all work, why they are helpful, and how to do them in a safe manner at home.

Table of Contents

1. What is Dysphagia?
2. The importance of Swallowing Exercises
3. Effortful Swallow Exercise
4. Chin Tuck Resistance
5. Supraglottic Swallowing
6. Strengthening of the Neck and Throat
7. The Mendelsohn Maneuver
8. Masako (Tongue-Hold) Maneuver
9. Comparison Table of Swallowing Exercise

1. What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia: means you have a difficulty in swallowing. It may arise following a stroke, an injury or with aging or other conditions such as Parkinson. Common signs include:

• Choking or coughing on food
• The sensation of food becoming stuck
• Difficulty taking watery liquids
• Recurring throat clearing or infections

In case it is not something new, consult an expert. Problems with swallowing may create severe complications such as malnutrition or pneumonia in case of neglect.

2. The importance of Swallowing Exercises

The muscles of your stomach muscles, as much as arm or leg muscles, should be exercised to be strong. These exercises:

• Better muscle coordination
• Support safer swallows
• Lessen the danger of being aspirated (food in your lungs)
• Be assisted in eating and drinking once more

3. Effortful Swallow Exercise

This exercise tightens the muscles of your throat and tongue.

How to do it:

• Sit up straight
• Take a small sip of water
• Swallow, swallow, as though you were swallowing a great bit of food
• Stress on the tightness of your throat
• Repeat 8-10 times

Suggestion: This should be done twice a day and produces the best result.

4. Chin Tuck Resistance

This practice works to secure your airway when swallowing.

How to do it:

• Sit upright
• Put a towel or rolled towel the size of a ball under your chin
• Squeeze your chin against it
• Hold for 5 seconds, then relax
• Repeat 10 times

Dosage: 1 time a day or as prescribed by your therapist.

5. Supraglottic Swallowing

This safeguards your air passage on swallowing.

Steps:

• Take a deep breath and hold it
• Insert a taste of water or firm foods in the mouth
• Keep breathing in your mouth
• Cough right after
• Swallow, to remove anything remaining

Hint: Liquids should be used first followed by soft food

6. Strengthening of the Neck and Throat

Such exercises enhance the neck control and power to swallow.

Try these:

• Head Lift: Lie on your back and raise your head and look at your toes. Hold 5 seconds
• Neck Nod: Nod yes slowly then shake your head. Repeat 10 times
• Side Stretch: Bend your head to every shoulder. Hold 10 seconds. Do 5 on each side

7. The Mendelsohn Maneuver

The method enhances the ability of your throat to open perfectly to allow food to pass through

Steps:

• Take a seat up straight and have a drink of water
• You can feel your Adam rising up as you swallow
• Run to the top and stop at the top and hold it 2-3 seconds
• Then relax and repeat 5-8 times

8. Masako (Tongue-Hold) Maneuver

This activity helps to build your tongue and throat muscles.

How to do it:

• Tongue In stick your tongue out a little and squeeze it in between your teeth
• Attempt to swallow your spit
• Repeat 8-10 times

Remember: Do not take food or drink when doing this exercise

9. Comparison Table of Swallowing Exercise

Conclusion

The swallowing does not need to be a daily challenge. Such regular exercises will make one feel strong and confident again. You are just beginning your path or you just want to achieve better results, Gastrodoxs and our Houston experts are on your side. Contact us today to receive individual support and treatment.