Speech Language Therapy

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Speech Language Therapy

The Lowell General Speech-Language Pathology Department assists inpatients and outpatients with communication and swallowing disorders. We pride ourselves in the quality time we spend with our patients evaluating and treating the specific area of speech and language needing restoration and/or compensation. Our experienced and licensed speech-language pathologists work with children and adults of all ages.

Speech-Language Pathology Services may be recommended for diagnosis and treatment of delayed speech, unintelligible speech, or for loss of communicative abilities following illness or injury. Some of the conditions that may require speech language therapy include:

Stroke
Cardiovascular/Pulmonary conditions
Degenerative Neuromuscular Disease
Swallowing disorders
Head trauma
Brain tumors
Parkinson's Disease
Neurological Diseases
Accent Modification/Stuttering

Services for Children

We evaluate and treat children who need services related to conditions such as: Autism, Down's syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Speech and Language disorder/delay, Fluency, and Apraxia. Depending on each child's needs, therapy may focus on articulation, language including auditory comprehension and verbal expression, augmentative communication, play, social-interaction, and dysphagia (swallowing/feeding).

A physician's order is required for all treatment.

Our hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. To make an appointment or inquire about outpatient speech therapy, please contact 978-937-6403.

Inpatient Speech Language Therapy

Inpatients receive speech, language, cognitive and/or swallowing therapy during their stay in the hospital, usually at bedside or on the unit. We recommend further services as needed upon discharge.

Outpatient Speech Language Therapy

Outpatient therapy is offered in our offices located on the first floor of the hospital. Speech-Language Pathology hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. To make an appointment or inquire about outpatient speech therapy, please contact 978.937-6403.

Learn more about LSVT® LOUD, a speech therapy program that helps Parkinson's disease patients regain their voice.

Specialty Diagnostics and Therapies

Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBS)

In this examination both a speech-language pathologist and radiologist observe the patient swallowing multiple consistencies of Barium. This test allows clinicians to observe normal/abnormal anatomy and function in the pharynx. They can determine appropriate consistencies and strategies to manage the patient's dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).

Patients who complain of difficulty swallowing may have diagnoses such as: Cancer of the throat or oral cavity, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington's chorea, Myasthenia Gravis.

Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation/Thermal Tactile Stimulation

Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation (DPNS), is a therapeutic program that restores muscle strength and reflexes within the pharynx for improved, efficient swallow function. The pharyngeal musculature is stimulated through neural pathways with specifically progressive and accountable techniques. DPNS has been shown to have a dramatic effect upon restoration of the swallow function, quickly improving the redirect/reflexive cough, improving vocal quality through efficient vocal fold adduction and increasing saliva management. Patients have reported a generalized sensation that pharyngeal muscles are "stronger."

Facial Muscle Exercise Program with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ES) is an adjunct therapeutic modality which enhances other treatment effects used in the facial muscle exercise program (FMEP). It is used as a benign, conservative treatment modality which promotes, maintains, and / or preserves the physiological integrity of the muscle and its functional components. ES is used in coordination with oral/facial icing techniques, facial massage, lingual / labial oral-motor exercises, DPNS, and articularory speech tasks. The FMEP regime is used for patients who exhibit a labial / facial flaccidly and / or oral dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).

Augmentative Communication / Speech Generating Device Services

Persons with significant communication disabilities may require the assistance of Picture / word communication aids. These can either be low technology or high technology, with voice output. We are fortunate to have a wide variety of devices from which to try during treatment sessions, depending upon the patient's needs.