When my mom had a severe stroke, one of the first and scariest challenges we faced was dysphagia — difficulty swallowing. Suddenly, the simple act of eating became a danger. Choking, silent aspiration, and the risk of pneumonia were very real concerns. But with the help of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a lot of patience, we found simple ways to start rebuilding those muscles — one tongue wiggle at a time.
If you’re supporting a stroke survivor, or are one yourself, early swallowing exercises can be a powerful part of the recovery journey. While every survivor’s needs are different, here are some beginner techniques that made a real difference for my mother — along with professional tips and precautions.
👅 Tongue Exercises That Rebuild Control
After a stroke, the brain and muscles don’t always communicate the way they used to. One of the first exercises our speech therapist taught us was sticking the tongue out and pulling it back in. It seems silly at first, but for someone regaining control of their face and mouth, it’s serious work.
At times, my mom had trouble understanding or following commands because of her stroke’s severity. That’s when we got creative — using a popsicle. She couldn’t always stick her tongue out on demand, but reaching for that cold treat gave her motivation.
We also practiced:
- Side-to-side tongue movements — with a popsicle stick to assist with movement. (Don’t use your finger! Stroke survivors can accidentally bite without meaning to.)
- Tongue-to-roof — lifting the tongue to touch the top of the mouth, behind the upper teeth.
- Making “kissy” faces — which exercises the lips and cheeks as well.
✅ Why this matters: Tongue movement exercises strengthen oral motor control, which is essential for managing saliva, forming a food bolus, and initiating safe swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).
🪞 Mirror Feedback Builds Awareness
One tip that helped tremendously: doing exercises in front of a mirror. When facial sensation is reduced after stroke, a mirror provides much-needed visual feedback. It helped my mom see what her body was doing, even when she couldn’t quite feel it.
Pro tip: Work with a caregiver or therapist who can gently guide the movements and provide encouragement. If you’re the caregiver, exaggerate your own mouth shapes so your loved one can mirror you.
⚠️ Safety First: Always Work With a Professional
While these exercises helped us early on, it’s critical to work with an SLP to make sure activities are safe and appropriate. Never attempt swallowing exercises with food or drink without medical clearance — aspiration pneumonia can be life-threatening.
You can also ask your SLP about:
- Ice chip therapy
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
- Effortful swallow and Mendelsohn maneuver (for later stages)
These should only be done under supervision.
🌞 Make It Fun, Keep It Gentle
Recovery after a stroke is frustrating — and exhausting. We kept sessions short and light-hearted. Making silly faces together, celebrating small improvements, and being patient were key.
My mom would light up during popsicle “therapy” or when playing follow-the-leader with our faces. It wasn’t just exercise — it was connection.
🧠 Cited Research & Trusted Resources
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Daniels, S. K., & Huckabee, M. L. (2008). Dysphagia in Stroke: Physiological Diagnosis and Management. Plural Publishing.
- Robbins, J., et al. (2007). Comparison of 2 interventions for liquid aspiration on pneumonia incidence: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 148(7), 509–518.
- Martino, R., et al. (2005). Dysphagia after stroke: incidence, diagnosis, and pulmonary complications. Stroke, 36(12), 2756–2763.
💡 Remember
Every stroke journey is different — and progress isn’t always linear. But rebuilding the ability to swallow starts with the smallest motions. Don’t overlook the power of a tongue stretch or a kissy face. These little wins become the foundation for something bigger: independence, dignity, and the joy of sharing meals again.
More posts for caregivers and stroke recovery:
Beyond Stroke Survival 
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