Speech and swallowing problems can cause hindrance to your nutrition, consuming, and enjoying food, muscles and even breathing. Therapists work closely with people who suffer from these disabilities to improve their ability to eat and function ordinarily. People who have also had a history of neurological conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, geriatric- related conditions may need speech and swallow rehabilitation.

Swallowing therapy

Firstly, the pathologist will evaluate the patient to diagnose dysphagia. After the diagnosis, the speech therapist may recommend diet alteration, postural modifications, and swallowing exercises to strengthen the muscles. In some cases, these problems are easy to manage but vary depending on each person’s condition.

There are a few steps you can take to make eating and drinking easier such as:

• Better positioning
• Amount and rate of eating
• Food consistency
• Saliva management
• Frequent swallowing
• Oro-motor exercises