Discover what a Speech-Language Pathologist can do for you.
Updated January 1st, 2023
Cognition / Swallowing / Voice / Conclusion
Introduction
When I first began exploring Speech-Language Pathology as a possible career choice, I was surprised to learn how many different areas these professionals are trained in. I had remembered someone called a “speech teacher” when I was in elementary school, but I had no idea that this “speech teacher” was also educated in how to help people with dementia compensate for their memory loss and to teach swallowing rehabilitation exercises to people who have suffered a stroke.
Now, as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), I am still amazed every day at the breadth of our field. I am constantly discovering what I did not already know and have come to accept that I will never reach the end of this learning. You might know that Speech-Language Pathologists are also referred to as Speech Therapists. The terms are interchangeable, but in my opinion, neither of these titles fully conveys the variety of conditions that we can work with; it’s much more than speech. Below is a list of just some of the areas that SLPs can practice in. I kept the descriptions in this list adult focused but remember that many SLPs also work in pediatrics.
Language
Often after a stroke, but sometimes as a process of dementia or any type of injury to the brain, adults can lose their ability to understand and use language. This condition is called aphasia. SLPs are trained to help persons with aphasia recover and compensate for this loss of language.
Speech
Again, after a stroke or other brain injury, adults can lose their ability to articulate and connect speech sounds. SLPs can help adults regain these skills and supplement with other means of communication like written language, gestures, and speech generating devices.
Cognition
SLPs can offer exercises and strategies to help adults improve or compensate for lost cognitive skills. These thinking skills include attention, memory, and problem solving. Cognitive skills may be impaired after an acute brain injury, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. These also may decline as a process of dementia.
Swallowing
When there is weakness in the muscles used for swallowing and/or decreased sensation in those areas, SLPs can recommend a safe method of nutrition. SLPs may also teach swallowing rehabilitation exercises to help improve swallow function by strengthening those muscles.
Voice
Voice disorders have causes including unhealthy voice use, head/neck cancer, a brain injury, or as a process of aging. SLPs can help with management and use of prosthetic devices for people who can’t use their vocal cords, including those who have had their larynx removed. SLPs can also instruct on rehabilitative exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles used for voicing and breath support.
Conclusion
I am excited to make this general introduction to speech-language pathology. The list is not nearly comprehensive, but it might act as a good starting point. SLPs deal directly with the movement of head, neck, and throat muscles used for swallowing, voicing, speaking, and breathing. We sometimes help patients with cognitive deficits to recall safe movement strategies, like using a walker or completing a home exercise program. These are just a few ways that SLPs are involved in movement, too! In a field with never-ending opportunities for learning, I can’t wait to share more through Peak Movement Health as I continue to study and experience the work of an SLP. To learn more about me and my background, CLICK HERE.
DISCLAIMER
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