{"id":4079,"date":"2026-01-08T16:16:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:16:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/?p=4079"},"modified":"2026-01-13T10:07:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T10:07:52","slug":"troubles-deglutition-solutions-kinesitherapie-et-osteopathie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/troubles-deglutition-solutions-kinesitherapie-et-osteopathie\/","title":{"rendered":"Swallowing disorders: causes, symptoms and solutions provided by physiotherapy and osteopathy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Swallowing is so automatic that we often forget just how essential it is. However, when it becomes difficult, painful or dangerous, it profoundly changes everyday life. Swallowing a glass of water, eating a meal or even managing your saliva can suddenly require considerable effort. Swallowing disorders - known as&nbsp;<em>dysphagia<\/em>&nbsp;- now affect a large number of patients, both children and adults, and can be linked to a wide variety of causes: muscular, neurological, mechanical, postural or even emotional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we'll explore the most common causes of these disorders, the warning signs and, above all, the practical solutions offered by the <a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/kinesitherapie-maxillo-faciale\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2706\">maxillofacial physiotherapy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/osteopathie-centre-medical\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3515\">osteopathy<\/a>. These two approaches, which are complementary and patient-centred, offer precise, comprehensive work to improve swallowing function, reduce associated risks and restore real comfort in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image4079_d45ff2-86.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image4079_d45ff2-86 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:413px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image4079_d45ff2-86.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image4079_d45ff2-86 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image4079_d45ff2-86 figure{max-width:413px;}.kb-image4079_d45ff2-86 .image-is-svg, .kb-image4079_d45ff2-86 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image4079_d45ff2-86 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image4079_d45ff2-86\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"probl\u00e8me de d\u00e9glutition\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-4086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Understanding swallowing disorders: a complex mechanism that can go wrong<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Swallowing is a precise sequence of more than 30 muscles coordinated by several areas of the nervous system. When everything is working, the act takes less than a second. When something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common causes of swallowing disorders<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Muscular or mechanical origins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tension in the muscles of the neck or floor of the mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weakness of the tongue or pharyngeal muscles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporomandibular joint disorders (<a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/kinesitherapie-maxillo-faciale\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2706\">ATM<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cervical scars after operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Projected head posture, often associated with screen work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ENT origins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Large tonsils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partition deflection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic infections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent inflammation of the pharynx<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Neurological origins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AVC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parkinson<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple sclerosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neuropathies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Digestive origins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hiatus hernia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Functional causes (particularly in children)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Persistent infantile swallowing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mouth breathing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Associated orthodontic disorders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Warning signs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The symptoms are not always spectacular, but they must be taken seriously, as dysphagia can lead to dangerous false routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Most common symptoms:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The feeling that \"it's not working<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coughing during or after meals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wet voice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neck pain when eating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive salivation or difficulty managing saliva<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rapid fatigue during meals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Involuntary weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TMJ discomfort or blockage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the face of these signs, an assessment is essential. Work can then be directed towards maxillofacial physiotherapy, <a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/nathan-heuskin-osteopathe\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3974\">osteopathy<\/a>or, in some cases, to an ENT specialist or gastroenterologist.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image4079_1751e3-10.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image4079_1751e3-10 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:457px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image4079_1751e3-10.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image4079_1751e3-10 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image4079_1751e3-10 figure{max-width:457px;}.kb-image4079_1751e3-10 .image-is-svg, .kb-image4079_1751e3-10 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image4079_1751e3-10 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image4079_1751e3-10\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/getty-images-e27N3a3LtpU-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"kin\u00e9 ATM\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-4075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/getty-images-e27N3a3LtpU-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/getty-images-e27N3a3LtpU-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/getty-images-e27N3a3LtpU-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/getty-images-e27N3a3LtpU-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/getty-images-e27N3a3LtpU-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/getty-images-e27N3a3LtpU-unsplash-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. How maxillofacial physiotherapy helps to improve swallowing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>La <a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/sophie-carlier-kine-maxillo-faciale\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2417\">maxillofacial physiotherapy<\/a> is one of the most recommended approaches for swallowing disorders. It specifically targets the muscles involved in mastication, the tongue, the throat and respiratory mechanics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treatment objectives :<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthen the muscles of the tongue and pharynx<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving the coordination of swallowing movements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work on breathing patterns (in particular the transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Correcting head and neck posture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce tension in the jaws<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Examples of exercises used:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exercises to strengthen the tongue (thrust, elevation, lateralization)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Functional chewing exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Targeted work on TMJ mobility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saliva management techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehabilitation of the supra- and sub-hyoid muscles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Results can be rapid, particularly for children with atypical swallowing or mouth breathing, but also for adults with neck tension or postural problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. The contribution of osteopathy: restoring overall balance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/osteopathie-centre-medical\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3515\">Osteopathy<\/a> works alongside physiotherapy to treat the mechanical and postural causes of dysphagia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Useful approaches to swallowing disorders :<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Release of cervical tension<\/strong>&nbsp;(C0-C1-C2, often involved)<br>\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Work on the mobility of the hyoid bone<\/strong><br>\u2714&nbsp;<strong>TMJ treatment<\/strong>&nbsp;and masseter\/pterygoid muscles<br>\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Normalising the diaphragm<\/strong>&nbsp;when breathing influences swallowing<br>\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Visceral approach<\/strong>&nbsp;on the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction (particularly in cases of reflux)<br>\u2714&nbsp;<strong>Overall postural work<\/strong>&nbsp;Projected head, kyphosis, scapular tension<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/geoffrey-buguinet-osteopathe\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3668\">Osteopathy<\/a> provides a systemic view of the patient, making it possible to improve the overall context in which swallowing takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Combined management: often the most effective solution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, the <a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/notre-equipe\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"998\">suit<\/a> maxillo-facial physiotherapy + osteopathy gives the best results. The two practices complement each other naturally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>physiotherapy strengthens, coordinates and rehabilitates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>osteopathy frees, realigns and optimises overall functioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This synergy is often the quickest way for patients to regain fluid, pain-free swallowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/centre-rebalance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"999\">Medical Centre<\/a><\/strong>This complementary approach is regularly used according to the patient's needs, while remaining perfectly adapted and personalised.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image4079_8174c2-48.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image4079_8174c2-48 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:382px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image4079_8174c2-48.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image4079_8174c2-48 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image4079_8174c2-48 figure{max-width:382px;}.kb-image4079_8174c2-48 .image-is-svg, .kb-image4079_8174c2-48 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image4079_8174c2-48 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image4079_8174c2-48\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-_uKuwxUWR4E-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"approche multidisciplinaire d\u00e9glutition\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-4087\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-_uKuwxUWR4E-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-_uKuwxUWR4E-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-_uKuwxUWR4E-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-_uKuwxUWR4E-unsplash-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-_uKuwxUWR4E-unsplash-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-_uKuwxUWR4E-unsplash-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Conclusion: relearn how to swallow, regain confidence, breathe more freely<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Swallowing problems are never trivial, because swallowing is a vital, social and everyday act. When swallowing becomes difficult, it can quickly lead to stress, isolation, loss of enjoyment of food and respiratory complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that targeted, precise and well-coordinated treatment between a maxillo-facial physiotherapist and an osteopath can offer significant - sometimes spectacular - improvements in just a few sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the cause of the problem, working on the function, releasing tension and re-educating the overall mechanics will help restore movement that is as natural as it is safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or your child is experiencing difficulty swallowing, neck pain when eating or persistent mouth breathing, a specialist assessment is the first step towards real relief.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Swallowing is so automatic that we often forget just how essential it is. However, when it becomes difficult, painful...<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4086,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maxillo-faciale","category-osteopathie"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":10,"label":"Maxillo-faciale"},{"value":14,"label":"Ost\u00e9opathie"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/getty-images-IGsncO9bHwQ-unsplash-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/author\/hbotermans\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":10,"name":"Maxillo-faciale","slug":"maxillo-faciale","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":10,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":8,"count":20,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":10,"category_count":20,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Maxillo-faciale","category_nicename":"maxillo-faciale","category_parent":8},{"term_id":14,"name":"Ost\u00e9opathie","slug":"osteopathie","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":14,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":22,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":14,"category_count":22,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Ost\u00e9opathie","category_nicename":"osteopathie","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4079"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4088,"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4079\/revisions\/4088"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rebalance-centre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}