Speech Therapy

Speech therapy varies depending on the type of speech problem. Speech exercises can help retrain people to use the muscles involved in speech. Exercises can help train the brain to understand words, numbers, or gestures and to learn new ways to concentrate, remember, and process information. Therapists may help people who cannot speak find alternative ways to communicate.

Some of the same muscles used in speaking are used in breathing, swallowing, and eating. So speech therapy can also help people who have problems with these functions. Exercises may improve control of mouth and throat muscles. Therapists may suggest techniques to help with eating. For example, holding the head in a certain position may make chewing and swallowing easier. A special diet may be recommended because some kinds of foods are easier to swallow than others. Examples are soft foods, foods with a consistent texture, and thick liquids. Therapists may recommend using gelatin to thicken liquids.