Most people assume that speech therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy reserved for children, but the physical therapists at New Beginning Physical Therapy disagree. Speech therapy refers to any methods used in the successful and effective treatment of speech disorders. These disorders can occur in either adults or children and for a variety of reasons. Physical therapists in Palm Desert, CA recommend getting an appointment as soon as you notice a problem in your or your child’s speech patterns, whether in articulation, fluency, sound or resonance. It is also best to consult a physical therapist in Palm Desert, CA when your child has difficulty feeding or swallowing.
What to Expect in Speech Therapy
Correcting speech patterns is the goal of successful treatment of speech disorders. When you enroll yourself or your loved one in this type of physical therapy at New Beginning Physical Therapy, expect to go through a range of exercises with your physical therapist. Typically, these exercises will help one to strengthen one’s oral muscles. If your disorder stems from oral-motor dysfunction, speech therapy will help negate it.
Different forms of speech therapy target varying parts of speech. For instance, speech drills improve one’s clarity of speech whereas engaging in sound production practice helps improve how one articulates words.
Importance of Speech Therapy
The benefits of engaging in this type of therapy are not limited to improved communication on the part of the patient. Additionally, when you participate in speech therapy, you are able to express yourself and form meaningful relationships with others. For children, improved communication also translates in readiness for literacy and schooling. Adults also enjoy increased problem-solving when they are able to address others.
Ultimately, speech therapy helps those who engage in it to think more independently and achieve a better quality of life. These benefits are why you should consult the physical therapists at New Beginning Physical Therapy today if either you or your loved one have difficulty speaking.