How does the speech therapist examine the tongue for strength?

When the speech therapist performs am oral-peripheral examination, the therapist examines the tongue for relative tongue strength. When the therapist asks the client to push forcefully with his or her tongue sideways against resistance, the therapist may be able to identify whether the client has adequate and symmetrical strength of each side of the tongue. When the tongue seems to have greater strength in one direction than the other, the therapist should consider activities to strengthen the tongue's musculature. Improving muscle strength of the weaker side of the tongue will improve muscle tone and muscle control.