Could it be possible that simple exercises could improve upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening and perhaps even prevent the need for esophageal dilation for many patients? Many dysphagia research studies demonstrate that is indeed the case.
Here is just one example. A study conducted in 2012 titled, “Jaw-opening Exercise For Insufficient Opening Of Upper Esophageal Sphincter” demonstrated good results for the JOAR exerecise to stretch the esophagus UES without surgery.
The exercise was described as follows: “The exercise involved opening the jaw to its maximum and maintaining this position for 10 seconds. Each exercise set consisted of 5 repetitions, and 2 sets were carried out daily for 4 weeks.”
The results were very good: “Compared with before starting the exercise, significant improvements were observed in the extent of upward movement of the hyoid bone (P<.05), the amount of UES opening (P<.05), and the time for pharynx passage (P<.05) 4 weeks after initiating the exercise. Pharyngeal residue decreased in some subjects, and no increases were noted in any subjects.
Conclusions stated: “The jaw-opening exercise is an effective treatment for dysphagia caused by dysfunction of hyoid elevation and UES opening.”
The JOAR exercise has not received as much attention as the CTAR exercise over the years, which has also been shown to widen the UES (upper esophageal sphincter) during the swallow. However, both exercises do have supporting research. Perhaps it would be wise to use both exercises when trying to improve UES dysfunction.
From the beginning, The PhagiaFlex device was designed and promoted to be used with both of these powerfully effective exercises, all with just one dysphagia exercise tool. It has the flexibility, durability, and professional feel of a prosthetic device, and it is now being used by hospitals, clinics, and individuals around the world.
This is a great device for professionals and for home exercises. It provides resistance in both directions, as you press your chin down and as you resist the upward push of the flexed device, by slowly lifting your chin back up, during either exercise. This allows for a very intense workout of the suprahyoid muscles!
Speech language pathologists who work with patients who have dysphagia in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities will love our Hands Free device. It slides onto a hospital tray table and the patient can alternate between doing the exercise for 1-2 minutes while watching TV and then resting for 1-2 minutes. A tabata timer works great for this. The therapist can complete her documentation while the patient works hard on the exercises, and the patients really love it too.
Download a free 20 page eBook
About the Author: Jolie Parker, M.S.CCC-SLP is a speech language pathologist who specializes in the treatment of dysphagia. She is a co-inventor of the PhagiaFlex device for dysphagia, which has been clinically shown to strengthen the swallow, improve esophageal opening and laryngeal elevation, and widen the UES during the swallow.