Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Swallowing Therapy - Laryngeal Elevation Exercises
Falsetto voice/laryngeal lift
This exercise is designed to help you hold your larynx (voice box) up as you swallow. This lengthens the period of time your airway is protected as you swallow.
It also helps to open the valve at the entrance to the oesophagus (food pipe) for food and drink to get to your stomach.
- Put your fingers gently on your voice box or ‘Adam’s apple’. Now swallow some saliva and feel how your Adam’s apple moves up and down as you do so.
2. Now swallow your saliva again and this time hold up your voice box with your throat muscles (or manually) for a count of three before relaxing.
3. Repeat 25 times per day, 6 out of 7 days per week for at least five weeks. You will not be able to do 25 consecutive swallows, so aim to do about 5 at any one time.
You may find it helpful to use the chart in this leaflet to record your progress.
Progress chart
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Speech and language therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Speech and language therapy
Reference:
VV/023
Approval date:
13 December 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.