Effortful Swallow

Abstract

As one of the first techniques to emerge in the management of the patient with swallowing impairment, the effortful swallow technique provides an excellent example of how our thinking has evolved in this area of clinical practice. This chapter will summarize the literature related to the application of effortful swallowing first as a compensatory mechanism, then as a task emphasizing strength training and finally ­representing the paradigm shift to skill training in dysphagia rehabilitation. Despite potential positive influences on swallowing physiology, no intervention is without potential for complication, thus clinicians are encouraged to understand potential adverse ramifications and judiciously apply this technique to patient populations.