Speech Therapy: It’s More Than You Think
You’re easily familiar with the terms physical therapy and occupational therapy and likely can put together a solid definition for both if asked. But, a lesser-known, yet equally important type of therapy is Speech Therapy.
What is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy evaluates and treats people with issues in swallowing, speech & language, and cognitive deficits affecting safe eating, drinking, communication, and safety. Speech therapy could also work with people that need help with written language disorders (e.g., dyslexia) and oral language disorders.
How does speech therapy work?
Speech therapists figure out the type of language problem that need to address for their patient. Sometimes that means an articulation problem, a fluency problem, or an issue with drooling or feeding. Then, the therapist will tailor the intervention strategies best fit for the patient’s needs.
What other medical issues could speech therapy help improve?
An additional focus of speech therapy could be to improve communication or swallowing abilities due to disease, injury, aging, or developmental delays.
Who is usually treated with speech therapy?
Speech therapists treat adults and children of all ages. A speech patient may find it difficult to understand what is said or may be unable to find the words they want to say, so that’s where the experts can step in to make those life skills easier.
What types of issues are treated by speech therapy?
Below, you’ll find a list of disorders that speech therapy could help treat:
- Voice disorders
- Language delays
- Childhood articulation disorder
- Communication disorder
- Feeding problems (adult and pediatric)
- Stuttering
- Cognitive impairment
- Oral motor skills (swallowing and respiratory problems
- Video Fluoroscopy Swallow Study
- Vital Stim Treatment for swallowing disorders
- Augmentative and assistive communication evaluations
Where can I learn more about Culbertson’s Speech Therapy program?
To find out more information about Culbertson Memorial’s therapy programs, to include speech therapy, click here or call us at (217) 322-5286 to schedule an appointment today!