Preferred Physical Therapy provides therapy specifically tailored to delays in speech and language, voice quality, social communication skills, and feeding issues for our adult patients.   

Our speech therapist works hard to help patients develop strong speaking skills as well as refine volume and quality of voice. She can help decrease issues patients have with eating, drinking, swallowing, and communicating. If you or your loved one is struggling with an issue that is impairing your speaking capabilities, contact our clinic today to learn more about how speech therapy may benefit your condition.

A speech disorder consists of how words are produced and may influence their ability to say things clearly. Language is the way we shape our ideas into words. Someone with a language disorder may demonstrate difficulty in the areas of: understanding, talking, reading, or writing. Speech and language difficulties come in many forms including fluency disorders like stuttering, dysarthria (a problem with motor control of speech), dysphagia (swallowing disorders), apraxia, voice problems, and cognition (memory and attention). They can  impede someone’s ability to communicate their wants and needs and can have negative impacts such as social/emotional withdrawal.

Adult speech therapy can address cognition, aphasia, voice, fluency, dysarthria, dysphagia, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), as well as expressive and receptive language. Communication differences or disorders can also be caused by a variety of events including neurodegenerative diseases (including TIA’s and strokes), head injuries, problems at birth, and genetic disorders.

Areas Adult Speech Therapy Can Strengthen

  • Any feeding/swallowing issues, including tube feeding
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Difficulty with word-finding
  • Difficulty with projecting and/or quality of voice
  • Difficulty with expressing thoughts
  • Improving vocal loudness
  • Difficulty with understanding written and spoken language
  • Difficulty with memory, attention, and orientation 
  • Developing effective speaking and comprehension skills
  • Cognitive communication skills
  • Ability to swallow

When you arrive for the initial consultation, a speech therapist will conduct a simple examination to determine the best possible treatment plan. Our speech therapists evaluate patients with a range of diagnoses such as: traumatic brain injury, strokes, brain tumors, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and Cerebral Palsy.

Speech therapists utilize assessment techniques to determine if there is an existing communication difference or disorder. Based on assessment results, and patient input, a speech therapist will design a treatment plan to improve the patient’s communication skills. 

The speech therapy exercises can range from tasks that strengthen the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat to vocabulary development and even basic communication skills like making eye contact when speaking to others. Treatment may also include neuromuscular reeducation and voice programs. 

There is no reason to let a speech problem get in the way of your loved one’s wellbeing. Our goal is to help all of our patients improve their ability to communicate their wants and needs, as well as provide a higher quality of life. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with a speech impediment, swallowing issue, or voice problem, contact our clinic today to make an appointment for evaluation. 

Due to the ever-changing world of healthcare, and the field of physical therapy, Preferred Physical Therapy Associates has decided to establish a Membership Program, to maintain the high quality of care we have provided for 18 years. We believe this program will help us establish and maintain our relationships with our patients, build trust with our patients, and allow us to offer enhanced services to the Members. We believe this program will serve the best interests of both the practice and our Member patients. All patients of Preferred Physical Therapy Associates are eligible to become Members of the PT Program. In fact, we hope that all our patients become Members, although we do offer the option of opting out of Membership.

This easy tomato bruschetta is ideal for dinner parties, celebrations, or get-togethers at home. Each slice of toasted bread is topped with the tomato mixture, minced garlic, mozzarella, and basil.


Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In the bowl of a food processor, add drained tomatoes, 1 cup basil leaves, olive oil and 2 cloves garlic. Pulse until smooth, but somewhat chunky. Season with salt and pepper. On a baking sheet, line up baguette slices. Toast in oven for about 3 minutes. Working quickly, rub the remaining garlic on the toasted side of each slice and then lay a piece of mozzarella cheese on top. Place bread back in oven for about 45 seconds. Remove from oven and spread one tablespoon of the tomato mixture on each piece. Place bruschetta on decorative platter and garnish with basil leaves. 

Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tomato-mozzarella-and-basil-bruschetta-

Ingredients

  • 1 (32-oz) can whole tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large French baguettes, sliced 1-inch thick (about 36 slices)
  • 1 1/2 lbs fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick

A stroke survivor. A 35-year-old still struggling with stuttering. People living with Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis. What do they all have in common? The answer’s simple: they could all experience the benefits of speech therapy.

Speech therapy improves articulation: This is the first thing many people think of when they hear speech therapy, and it serves as the foundation for the field. Speech therapists can help you speak more clearly and confidently, no matter the reason. We can help people manage stuttering and vocal disorders, among other conditions — ensuring you’re heard and understood.

Speech therapy addresses all four areas of communication: Speaking isn’t the only way humans communicate. We read, write, listen, and interpret nonverbal messages. Someone might be able to speak clearly but struggle to comprehend written or spoken language – and we can help with that, too.

Speech therapy offers alternative means of communication: We can also help you find other ways of communication beyond just speaking. Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) techniques include things like text-to-speech devices, writing or drawing your thoughts, or using image boards. Even if speaking is too difficult, we can still help ensure your voice is heard.

Speech therapy improves swallowing ability: The muscles that allow us to speak also control our ability to chew, swallow, eat, and drink. If eating has become physically challenging for you, our speech therapists can show you strategies to ensure you get the nutrients you need.

Speech therapy builds confidence: Struggling with communication and speech can be incredibly isolating. You might feel tempted to withdraw rather than deal with the challenges of being misunderstood. Working with a speech therapist helps you find techniques and strategies to stay part of the conversation.

Ready to get started? Schedule your initial consultation today — and start experiencing the many benefits of speech therapy for yourself.