Like breathing, swallowing is essential to everyday life. Humans swallow approximately 700 times a day, using 26 muscles!
Like breathing, swallowing is essential to everyday life. Humans swallow approximately 700 times a day, using 26 muscles!
So imagine not being able to eat or drink without the risk of choking, coughing or pain.
In fact, close to one million Australians have swallowing difficulties.
In certain cases, swallowing can even be impossible.
The medical term for swallowing difficulty is dysphagia, and covers any problem with swallowing, drinking, chewing, eating, controlling saliva, taking medications or protecting the lungs from food and drink ‘going the wrong way’.
Today is an opportunity to bring attention to swallowing disorders and to connect people with certified practising speech pathologists, the allied health professionals who can help.
How Can Speech Pathology Assist with Swallowing Problems?
Swallowing is a very complicated process. It involves coordination among several muscle groups to chew, prepare and move food from your mouth, into the back of your throat and into the stomach. Your speech pathologist can provide strategies for safe swallowing and exercises to help increase control over these muscles.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of working with a speech pathologist is that they can tailor the treatment approach to your individual situation.
Speech pathologists can show you strategies to help. This can involve changing your diet or positioning your head and neck in a certain way.
In other cases, speech pathology involves rehabilitation of the muscles to help effective and safe swallowing.
Recovery Station can help
Experiencing swallowing difficulties can have a devastating effect on the quality of life for so many individuals. That’s why at Recovery Station, we only employ compassionate, professional and up-to-date speech pathologists.
Together, we work with you or your loved one’s entire health care team to provide the quality services you need and deserve. To discuss your unique needs and treatment plan, call us on 1300 588 851.
Until next time,
