Swallowing Exercises

PRACTICE THESE SWALLOWING EXERCISES DAILY.

By strengthening the muscles in your throat,

you will improve your ability to swallow.

DIFFICULT SWALLOWING

Involves swallowing with maximum effort to strengthen the muscles involved.

MENDELSOHN MANEUVER (CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO)

Keeps the larynx elevated during swallowing to improve coordination.

MASAKO MANEUVER

Swallow while holding the tongue between the teeth to strengthen the pharynx.
Also known as the tongue-holding maneuver, this exercise involves swallowing while keeping the tongue between the teeth.

CHIN TUCK AGAINST RESISTANCE (CTAR) (CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO)

CTAR consists of tucking the chin against the chest while applying resistance, often using a rubber ball, towel, or similar accessory.

SHAKER MANEUVER EXERCISE (CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO)

The Shaker exercise involves lifting the head while lying on the back, holding it for a set duration, then lowering it.
Start with shorter durations and gradually increase as the patient’s strength improves.

TONGUE PRESSURE RESISTANCE

This exercise involves pressing the tongue against a resistance device or the roof of the mouth.

PITCH SLIDES

Pitch glides consist of shifting the voice from a low to a high tone.

FALSETTO EXERCISE

This exercise involves maintaining a high-pitched “iiiii” sound, targeting the cricothyroid muscle.

GARGLE

Pretending to gargle, dry gargling, or gargling with water stimulates the pharyngeal muscles.