Is speech therapy more than Just talking?
Yes!
Speech Language Pathologist focus on more than just speech! When most people think of speech therapy they pictures a child who needs help with pronouncing sounds or an adult who just had a stroke. While SLPs DO treat these populations, we also treat so much more!
Here are some of the “non-speech” areas that Back 2 You Speech Language Pathology can help you:
Swallowing (Dysphagia)- Common signs and symptoms associated with swallowing disorders include pain when swallowing, coughing or throat clearing while eating or drinking, hoarse or "wet" vocal quality after eating or drinking, feeling like something is stuck in the throat, difficulty chewing food, and/or avoiding certain foods. Your speech-language pathologist will work with you to obtain instrumental evaluation in order to make recommendations for specific types, textures, and thicknesses of foods and liquids. Your SLP will create safe-swallowing strategies and to be implemented in your home and will create and implement a detailed swallowing exercise program made specifically for YOU.
Cognitive- Communication- Targets cognitive processes such as memory, multi-tasking, attention and managing daily living tasks. People who are recovering from a head injury, surgery, or stroke, or who are experiencing challenges related to aging, dementia, or progressive neurological disorders, can benefit from cognitive therapy with a speech pathologist. Through rehabilitation and training in specific strategies, clients are able to re-engage in their work, social, academic, and everyday activities.
Aphasia- a language disorder that is caused by neurological damage and may make it difficult for you to understand, speak, read, or write. It DOES NOT change your intelligence. Your speech therapist will help your brain adjust to the changes it has experienced and retrain its pathways to aid in the expression and understanding of language. If needed; your SLP will help you to obtain and utilize augmentative communication devices as a bridge to verbal communication.
Dysphonia (Voice Disorder)- Signs of a voice disorder include a hoarse voice, difficulty increasing volume, feeling fatigued after continued voice use, or unwanted voice changes related to progressive neurological disorders or vocal fold pathologies. Voice therapy will teach strategies and exercises related to the client's specific challenges in order to promote a return to normal voice production.
Childhood LANGUAGE delays- Children may demonstrate difficulty understanding (receptive language) or expressing (expressive language). This can relate to wants/needs, following directions, vocabulary, and grammar.
If you are in the Buffalo area and are having difficulty with your speech or any of the above-mentioned areas, reach out today!
Helping YOU get back to YOU!
