This is a very well known exercise known as the Mendelssohn maneuver. Before I began my treatment, I was taught this exercise, among several others, at Stanford.

This is why, as Christine B reinforces, it is so important to go to a hospital or program that focuses on head and neck cancers. You get a treatment team. I had two surgeons, two radiation oncologists, a nutritionist, a speech/swallowing therapist, and exercise physiologist, and access to both psychologists and spiritual advisors (I didn’t use either.)

I know not everyone has that option but if you can seek out such treatment (usually associated with teaching hospitals) please do.

Stef