Aim

To improve the safety and efficiency of the swallow by increasing the length of time that your airway is closed and the entrance to the oesophagus (food pipe) is open.

What you need to do

• swallow your saliva a few times and pay attention to the movement in your neck as you swallow
• can you feel your Adam’s apple lift? Now swallow, and when you feel your Adam’s apple lift, don’t let it drop
• when you feel your Adam’s apple has lifted fully, use your throat muscles to hold it in that position for several seconds before finishing the swallow
• repeat 12 times.
• you may find it helpful to moisten your mouth between swallows
• do not carry out this exercise with food or drink
• repeat the set of exercises three times a day for at least six weeks

If you find the exercises too difficult slowly build up what you can do.  You can reduce the amount of time you hold the position for, you can rest more in between exercises and you can reduce the number of repetitions to make it easier.

You can make this exercise more difficult by using your fingers to push your voice box down when it is trying to lift up. This will produce resistance and make your muscles work harder.