The ability to swallow is an activity of daily living that most people probably take for granted. However, swallowing and coughing are complex and use some 50 or more pairs of muscles and many nerves to complete this most necessary function. Swallowing difficulty or dysphagia can sometimes be treated with various exercises implemented by a speech-language pathologist or medical doctor.
The Mendelsohn Maneuver
The Mendelsohn Maneuver is an exercise that focuses on the larynx, also known as the voice box. Ohio State University Medical Center describes this maneuver as swallowing to feel your larynx move up and down, then holding it in the up position with your muscles for two seconds. Repeat the maneuver five times.
Shaker Head Lift
The Shaker process includes two different exercises repeated three times a day for six weeks. Both the isometric and isokinetic section of this maneuver aid in strengthening a specific group of muscles in the neck. In the isometric phase, lift your head for 60 seconds while lying flat and rest for 60 seconds in between each head lift. In the isokinetic form, lift your head 30 times without pausing or holding.
Masako Maneuver
While swallowing, the base of the tongue shuffles food to the back of the throat. Sometimes this function is limited or weakened and needs to be rehabilitated. To perform the Masako Maneuver, the tongue is poked out past the lips. Next, swallow while the tongue is still protruding. Repeat five times.
Word of Advice
These exercises should be introduced by a professional. Dysphagia can be complex, frightening and lead to other conditions such as aspiration pneumonia. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble talking or swallowing. There are many options in the medical field for dysphagia and it's best to find the perfect fit for your condition.
References
- National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; Dysphagia; October 2010
- Ohio State University Medical Center; Swallowing Exercise-The Mendelsohn Maneuver; April 1, 2008
- US Gastroenterology Review; The Shaker Exercise; Reza Shaker et al.; 2006
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center; Swallowing Strategies; October 14, 2008
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