Swallowing Function Rehabilitation Training Methods
Nov 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Swallowing function rehabilitation training refers to functional rehabilitation exercises for swallowing disorders, mainly including the dry swallow method, cheek puffing method, lateral tongue extension method, vertical tongue extension method, and tongue extension against resistance method. The specific procedure for the lateral tongue extension method is as follows: the patient extends the tongue maximally to the left, holds it for three seconds, then retracts it; afterward, the patient extends the tongue maximally to the right and holds it for three seconds. Repeat this left-right tongue movement 20 times.
Swallowing function rehabilitation training refers to functional exercises for patients with swallowing disorders, mainly including the dry swallow method, cheek puffing method, lateral tongue extension method, vertical tongue extension method, and tongue extension against resistance. The specific procedures are as follows:
1. Dry Swallow Method: The patient places the tip of the tongue against the inner side of the front teeth and slides it along the hard palate toward the soft palate, performing a swallowing motion. Repeat 20 times.
2. Cheek Puffing Method: The patient puckers the lips and puffs the cheeks, holding for 5 seconds, then performs a swallowing action. Repeat 30 times per set, three sets daily.
3. Lateral Tongue Extension Method: The patient extends the tongue maximally to the left, holds for 3 seconds, retracts it, then extends maximally to the right and holds for 3 seconds. Repeat this left-right movement 20 times.
4. Vertical Tongue Extension Method: The patient extends the tongue upward to touch the nose, holds at maximum stretch for 3 seconds, retracts the tongue, then extends downward to touch the chin, again holding at maximum stretch for 3 seconds. Repeat this up-down movement 20 times.
5. Tongue Extension Against Resistance Method: The patient extends the tongue, and the clinician places an ice stick on the tip of the tongue, gently pushing the tongue backward into the mouth. The patient resists by exerting slight forward pressure with the tongue tip. Perform this back-and-forth resistance exercise 10 times. Then remove the ice stick and have the patient close the mouth and perform swallowing motions, repeating 10 times.
