If you haven’t heard about it before, the National Library of Medicine refers to the oromotor system as “the sensory inputs, motor systems, and movement organization involved in sucking, chewing, swallowing, speech articulation and facial non-verbal communication.” Feeding, talking, and gestural nonverbal communication are essential parts we need to live healthy lives.
Oromotor dysfunction refers to diseases that affect the oromotor system. Loss of these functions can lead to reduction in quality of life. This dysfunction can be caused by neuromuscular disorders.
As such, oromotor exercises are performed to alleviate or manage the aforementioned dysfunction.
These exercises, as supervised by a licensed speech pathologist are designed to increase the range of motion of the tongue, lips, and jaw, as well as boost coordination. Regular training will aid in speech and/or swallowing functions. When done properly, speech therapy and oromotor training can help speech problems, such as dysphagia and aphasia.
Range of motion exercises, just like those found in physiotherapy, include making full use of the tongue, jaw, and lips. Ensuring that these three are trained and strengthened are essential to regaining speech and swallowing functions.
If you are looking for dedicated, professional speech therapists, Outcomes Therapy has the solution for you. We offer physical therapy alongside our other programs to help boost our clients’ quality of life.
We also provide occupational therapy.