What is speech therapy?
Speech therapy, also known as speech-language therapy, is a client-centered health profession that helps people of all ages with speech and language disorders. Speech therapists work with individuals who may have difficulties with communication, including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. We also help people with swallowing difficulties.
The GO Physical Therapy speech therapists will help you or a loved one develop or restore your ability to communicate effectively by addressing the underlying cause. We use several research-backed techniques, exercises, and strategies to improve your speech and language skills.
Our speech therapists work with a wide range of patients, from children with developmental delays to older adults recovering from a stroke–and everyone in between. Speech therapy has also been shown to help conditions such as dyslexia, stuttering, or social communication disorders.
Speech therapy at GO Physical Therapy is a result-oriented approach to improving communication and swallowing skills. Our therapists incorporate the latest research and techniques into our customized treatment plans. We’ll also collaborate with your healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome.
Call (402) 434-5895 today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts!
What types of conditions do speech therapists treat?
Our GO Physical Therapy speech therapists treat various conditions related to communication difficulties. And because speech therapists are experts in the mouth, tongue, and throat, we can also help people with swallowing difficulties.
Our team works with people experiencing any of the following:
- Changes in voice quality and strength
- Difficulty understanding written and spoken language
- Muscle weakness or rigidity
- Changes in memory, attention, and orientation
- Difficulty expressing thoughts or identifying everyday objects or people
- Problems with chewing or swallowing
There are several medical conditions which can impair your ability to swallow or communicate effectively. If you are a loved one has experienced any of the following, our speech therapists may be able to help:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Cancer of the head or neck
Medical conditions aren’t the only causes of speech and swallowing disorders, however. Vocal cord damage, certain medications, and even anxiety, stress, or other psychological factors can all lead to difficulties with communication or swallowing.
Regardless of your difficulties, the speech therapists at GO Physical Therapy will always provide scientifically-supported treatment options for your specific condition, symptoms, goals, and needs.
If you’re struggling to speak or swallow, request an appointment at our Autumn Ridge, Antelope Creek, Stevens Creek, Yankee Hill, Fallbrook or O Street speech therapy clinic to learn more about how we can help!
What does a speech therapist do?
At GO Physical Therapy in Autumn Ridge, Antelope Creek, Stevens Creek, Yankee Hill, Fallbrook and O Street, our speech therapists use several different evidence-based treatment approaches to help you or a loved one improve your speech, language, voice, and fluency, including the following:
- Articulation Therapy: This approach improves speech sound production by teaching you how to move your lips, tongue, and jaw properly.
- Language Intervention: This approach improves receptive and expressive language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
- Fluency Therapy: This approach helps individuals who stutter or have other fluency disorders speak more smoothly and easily.
- Voice Therapy: This approach improves vocal quality, pitch, and volume for individuals with voice disorders.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): This approach helps someone with severe communication impairments find new ways to communicate, such as using devices or symbols.
For individuals with swallowing disorders (known as dysphagia), our speech therapists offer several evidence-based treatments to help you swallow safely and efficiently and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some approaches we might take:
Diet modification
We may recommend modifying the patient’s diet to make swallowing more manageable, such as changing the texture or consistency of foods or liquids.
Exercise and rehabilitation
We can provide specialized exercises to improve strength and coordination in your mouth and throat.
Postural techniques
We can show you different head, neck, and body positions, helping you find one that makes swallowing more manageable and reduces the risk of choking.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
This technique involves placing electrodes on the skin over the muscles involved in swallowing, which sends electrical impulses to help strengthen and coordinate those muscles.
Research shows that speech therapy is most effective when families and caregivers are involved in the process. Therefore, our speech therapists will provide education and training to your family or other loved ones to help you get the most out of your therapy.
Communication is a crucial aspect of everyday life. At GO Physical Therapy, we use scientifically-backed techniques, strategies, and treatments to help you improve your communication skills so you can fully participate in your favorite activities and be involved in your community.
How do I know if speech therapy is right for me?
There are many reasons why someone might want to work with one of our expert speech therapists. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following difficulties, speech therapy at GO Physical Therapy could be the approach you’re looking for:
- Difficulty producing or understanding speech sounds
- Stuttering or other fluency disorders
- Trouble with voice quality or projection
- Difficulty with language comprehension or expression
- Challenges with social communication
- Difficulty with swallowing or feeding
When you come in for your appointment, one of our speech therapists will conduct a comprehensive exam, including reviewing your health history, to confirm that you’ll benefit from speech therapy. From there, we’ll provide you with a fully customized treatment plan.
Request an appointment today to start your treatment–it’s never too early or too late!
What can I expect at my speech therapy sessions?
When you visit GO Physical Therapy for speech therapy, you’ll receive expert, scientifically-backed care developed around your specific needs and abilities.
At your initial session, one of our speech therapists will conduct a series of tests to evaluate your current strengths and weaknesses. With that information, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan using proven exercises and techniques.
The details of your treatment plan will vary based on your specific needs. For example, if you struggle to speak clearly, we’ll work through articulation exercises and show you alternative means of communication. If you find it difficult or painful to swallow, we can help strengthen the muscles of your mouth and throat or provide eating modifications.
In addition to working with you directly, we’ll ensure your family and other loved ones are involved in your treatment plan by providing education and guidance. Research shows that working on exercises at home will help you reach your goals more quickly and efficiently, so we’ll ensure you have the tools necessary to succeed!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!
