I do have a tip that I always used with my dysarthric patients to strengthen the tongue, lips, soft palate, and pharyngeal (throat) muscles.
You need a plastic straw (cheap gym equipment!).
1. Put one end of the straw in your mouth.
2. Cover the other end of the straw with your finger.
3. Suck as hard as you can on the straw.
4. Let go of the finger at the end of the straw as you continue
to suck on the other end.
5. You should feel a "pop" when your finger releases.
6 Start by sucking for a count of 5, for 10 repetitions.
7. Increase the duration of the sucking until you are up to a count
of 10.
8. You will get the best results if you do 10 repetitions 10 times
per day.
You can practice while you watch TV, ride in the car (with someone else driving, of course!). sit in the bathtub, etc. I usually recommend doing the exercises once an hour. Because this activity is using resistance training, it is very effective for building strength. Most oral-motor exercises are to improve the range of motion of the tongue and lips. Continue to do those, as well.
As far as your speech intelligibility, slow your speaking rate down and exaggerate your lip movement. Remember, you can't get through a gate unless it is open, so open your mouth when you talk. Lots of dysarthric patients have inadequate jaw movement, so their speech comes out "mushy" and difficult to understand.
You can put up post-it notes around your house to remind you to open your jaw and exaggerate your lip movement. Mirrors, the TV, refrigerator, doors, on your nightstand, microwave, and yes, the toilet are good places.
Good luck, and let me know how you're doing!
2006-11-02 08:44:57
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answer #1
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answered by ? 6
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