About Speech Therapy
If you are experiencing problems with language, communication, cognition, voice or swallowing – our certified speech-language pathologists (SLP) can help you regain this vital function or help you adapt to your condition. We can diagnose and treat a wide variety of disorders resulting from stroke, brain injury, brain tumors, head/neck cancer or other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS and dementia.
Our Approach to Outpatient Treatment
Speech therapy at a Baylor Scott & White Rehab Outpatient Therapy center involves individual therapy and patient/caregiver training to help you overcome your speech and communication difficulties. Every person has a unique set of needs. Our certified speech-language pathologists will develop a treatment plan for each person based on their injury or illness and your level of function. For patients with voice disorders or swallowing problems, we use a combination of clinical assessments and specialized diagnostic tools as a starting point before we begin speech therapy. The number of therapy sessions after that will vary based on your clinician’s recommendations.
For patients with severe aphasia or difficulty communicating, we will determine the need for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices. We develop picture and communication boards, and may also use computer devices that produce electronic voice so that patients can express their thoughts, needs and ideas.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Aphasia
Difficulty in speaking, listening, reading and writing in order to communicate with others without impacting intelligence. Common with stroke, brain injuries, brain tumors and progressive neurological disorders.
Apraxia
Inability to execute coordinated movements necessary to speak, even though muscle strength and mental capacity are unchanged. Most common with stroke, brain injury and brain tumors.
Cognitive-Communication Disorders
Difficulty reasoning, recalling, attending to information and in social communication exchange. Patients may also have difficulty planning, organizing and prioritizing their time. Most common with stroke, traumatic brain injury, concussions, brain tumor and progressive neurological disease.
Dysarthria
Difficulty articulating words due to muscle weakness and lack of coordination. This results in slurred or distorted speech. Most common with stroke, traumatic brain injury and other neurological disorders.
Dysphagia
Difficulty in safely swallowing food, liquids, and even saliva, due to muscle weakness or paralysis. This can lead to poor nutrition, aspiration pneumonia and less enjoyment in eating. Common with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, head/neck cancer and other progressive neurological disorders. Some signs of dysphagia are: coughing, choking or throat-clearing while eating or drinking. A sensation of food stuck in the mouth, throat or upper chest is also common.
Parkinson’s Disease
Using proven methods such as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LVST) and SpeakOut Therapy, we can help you manage the communication barriers brought on by Parkinson’s disease.
Voice Disorders
Hoarse, strained voice or that which the quality, pitch or loudness is impaired. Voice disorders can result from improper or inefficient use of the voice, from physical changes in the vocal mechanism, or problems in the nervous system that relate to the larynx.
Our Treatment Plans Include
- Skill-building that will help restore communication and function
- Strengthening of the muscles needed for speech, voice and swallowing
- Patient/caregiver training that will help compensate for communication deficits and help you live more independently
Specialized Speech Therapy Programs
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)
- Laryngectomy and Cancer Rehabilitation
- McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
More Than Just Words
Our speech-language pathologists help with so much more than just speech. They specialize in helping you communicate, process thoughts and even help you eat and swallow safely.
Our Approach to Inpatient Treatment
Speech therapy is a very personal form of therapy. Our therapists are generally working to help you regain one of your most basic functions: the ability to communicate. We provide a very personalized approach to your speech therapy. Every person has a unique set of needs and our certified speech-language pathologists will develop a treatment plan based on your injury, illness and level of function.
Treatment Consists Of
- Skill-building that will help restore communication and function
- Strengthening of the muscles needed for speech, voice and swallowing
- Patient/caregiver training that will help compensate for communication deficits and help you live more independently
Common Conditions Treated with Speech Therapy in an Inpatient Setting
- Brain injury/Traumatic brain injury
- Neurological disorders
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke