PHOTO COURTESY OF GSHCS
[quote style=”2″]Good Shepherd Speech Therapists Can Help Infants to Adults[/quote]
As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and that may be the extent of the significance of May for some people.
For a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), however, May has a completely different meaning – “Better Speech and Hearing Month,” as it is known to them, is a time to highlight the services SLPs provide for the community. Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) has three SLPs who are making a big difference in the lives of babies to adults each and every day.
This year’s theme, “Communication Takes Care,” fits in perfectly with the philosophy of SLP Genessa Knowles, M.S., CCC, of wanting to make a difference in the lives of children to adults.
“We are able to care for infants all the way up to elderly adults,” she said. “My main goal is to help improve quality of life or cure the condition that I am presented with in the clinic. When most people hear the term ‘speech therapy,’ they typically think of children with speech impediments, which we do treat, but we are able to do so much more than that.”
In addition to the adolescent services offered, the GSHCS Speech Therapy office has a niche for adults and is able to provide services for adults with dysarthria, aphasia, apraxia, cognitive deficits, and dysphagia.
“Our SLP’s are certified in LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) LOUD and Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation, both amazing therapies,” said Knowles. “LSVT LOUD is a voice treatment that improves communicative abilities of patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. This treatment has been recommended by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.”
She said the treatment can help improve vocal loudness and improve communication impairments associated with Parkinson’s disease.
“Neuromuscular electric stimulation is for patients suffering from dysphagia, difficulty or discomfort in swallowing,” said Knowles. “This therapy targets muscle groups responsible for safe and efficient swallowing. Treatment usually requires 10-12 sessions over a two to four week period. Typically we treat community members that had a stroke, have Parkinson’s Disease, head or neck cancer, or just have an overall inability to swallow properly.”
For more information about GSHCS Speech Therapy office, visit online at www.gshealth.org, or call 541-667-3635. GSHCS Speech Therapy is welcoming new patients.
