Speech and language therapy helps individuals with communication and swallowing problems. Speech and language pathologists evaluate and treat speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders in adults and children.

Our speech and language pathologists provide both inpatient and outpatient services. Speech therapy can help treat the following conditions:

• Swallowing disorders
• Language impairments
• Stuttering or voice disorders
• Stroke
• Head and neck cancer
• Parkinson's disease
• Head injuries
• Developmental disorders
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Treatment programs may include:

• SEMG biofeedback training for improvement of swallowing function
• Recommendations for optimal diet texture and swallowing strategies to maximize swallowing safety and efficiency
• Training of caregivers in facilitating and enhancing functional communication and swallowing
• Training in strategies to maximize functional communication skills in cases where return of normal speech and/or language skills is not a realistic goal
• Development of an exercise program to improve neuromuscular performance for more effective speech, voice or swallowing function
• Direct training and instruction to improve the quality of speech and voice, often through the use of Visipitch biofeedback

Specialized services include:

• Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (modified barium swallow): Used to identify anatomic and physiologic abnormalities. Using this information, we develop treatment strategies to improve your safety and efficiency of swallowing.
• Swallowing therapy: This includes neuromuscular re-education through biofeedback, therapeutic exercise and patient/caregiver training in feeding and swallowing techniques.

Speech and language pathology services are offered at 44 Birch Street, Suite 300, Nutfield site. Appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call 603-421-2250.