Swallowing Therapy
Muscle based exercises to improve the feeding and swallowing abilities
Given the close relationship between the development of muscle strength and control with feeding and swallowing function, muscle based exercises are important in the management of swallowing problems in children.
Early intervention is very important and muscle based exercises should be carried out for children at all ages if there is weakness in the development of muscles important for feeding and swallowing. With specially designed tools, the speech-language therapists will assess the level of development and suggest appropriate exercises for the child.
These exercises do not require the child to understand and follow instructions and are suitable even for neonates. By breaking the exercises into small steps, the children can gradually improve their oral-motor skills. With better strength and control of the oro-motor muscles, feeding and swallowing functions will also be improved.
