How To Manage Dermatomyositis Effectively

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy can be useful for children and adults with dermatomyositis. Doctors generally recommend speech therapy for patients with dermatomyositis that creates swallowing difficulties. A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist, can help patients who have difficulty with all aspects of feeding, including eating, swallowing, and drooling. Speech-language pathologists help patients with swallowing and feeding through the use of facial massage, and they will also show the patient exercises they can use to strengthen the muscles of their jaw, mouth, tongue, and lips. The therapist may encourage the patient to try foods with various textures during a therapy session, as this can increase the patient's awareness while eating and swallowing. Speech therapy takes time and dedication from both the therapist and patient, and sessions may continue for months or even years. For patients with dermatomyositis, finding a speech-language pathologist who has experience in treating this condition is essential. The patient's medical team may be able to recommend an appropriate professional.

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