What is the role of swallow therapy in post-stroke dysphagia?

• A. To improve safety and efficiency of swallow through targeted exercises and compensatory strategies to reduce aspiration and promote recovery
• B. To replace therapy with medication
• C. To ignore symptoms
• D. To decrease saliva production

Answer: (A)

Swallow therapy after a stroke aims to make swallowing safer and more efficient by combining targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles used in swallowing with compensatory strategies that make meals safer while feeding. Exercises can improve tongue base retraction, laryngeal elevation, and the timing of the swallow, while compensatory techniques (such as a chin-tuck, head turn, or pacing) help protect the airway and manage bolus flow. The goal is not only safer swallowing today but also to support recovery through repetitive, guided practice that can promote neural adaptation. This approach is distinct from relying on medications, ignoring symptoms, or trying to reduce saliva production, none of which address the mechanical and safety aspects of swallowing. So, swallow therapy best describes improving safety and efficiency of swallow through targeted exercises and compensatory strategies to reduce aspiration and promote recovery.