Speech Therapy (ST)
Speech Therapy concentrates on a patient’s cognitive improvement so they can carry over the techniques and exercises they learn in PT and OT when they leave rehabilitation.
For Example:
Dysphagia is difficulty with swallowing. This can be a devastating condition and lead to more serious complications. It has many causes: stroke victims often have it, and patients with Parkinsons or Multiple Sclerosis may have dysphagia.
Treatment:
The treatment for dysphagia is managed by a Speech and Language Pathologist, or Speech Therapist. Treatment usually consists of diet modifications and gradual reduction of symptoms.
Goal:
Memory, Comprehension, and Verbal Expression are also areas treated by the Speech Therapist. These skills are just as important to daily activities as mobility and toileting. In the rehabilitation setting, a patient will improve much faster if their comprehension and memory are not holding them back.