Swallowing training
The goal of swallowing training and therapy is to make the patient as independent as possible by using treatment to address many swallowing disorders
A speech therapist can help you learn different ways to place food in your mouth or position your body and head to help you swallow.
Who needs swallowing training/therapy?
Patients who suffer from difficulty swallowing.
You may require swallowing training if you have:
- Pain while swallowing
- Inability to swallow
- Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat/chest
- Acid reflux
- Hoarseness
- Drooling
- Food regurgitation
Why is it important?
Swallowing is a very complex bodily function. When there is dysfunction in the process, it can cause choking, coughing or food aspiration.
Patients with swallowing disorders may also have trouble feeding themselves. We can assist you and your family in learning feeding techniques that can help.
Swallowing and feeding therapy can treat many swallowing disorders.
What happens is swallowing training?
Our therapist will use different methods involving the lips, jaw and tongue to strengthen muscles around the mouth. Special exercises for engaging the swallowing
muscles and stimulating the nerves that trigger swallowing may be used.
Food may be used for different textures, temperatures and swallowing ability and patients may also be taught simple ways to place food in their mouth or position their bodies to assist in the process.