 
Speech Therapy
The mission of the Speech/Language Pathology Department, consistent with the
mission of St. Mary Medical Center, supports the premise that every individual
is entitled to communicate his or her ideas, feelings, wants and needs by
utilizing whatever means available and appropriate for that individual via
vocal, gestural, or non-vocal augmentative communicative systems. Additionally,
we support the premise that nourishment via safe feeding and swallowing is an
integral part of all individual rehabilitation and recovery.
Our Speech/Language Pathologists are well experience
professionals who work with a variety of communication and
feeding/swallowing disorders. Our patient population spans the full
spectrum form birth to geriatrics. Our Speech/Language Pathologists see
patients in various settings including acute care, inpatient rehab, and
outpatient. Our Speech/Language Pathologists have developed a
sophisticated feeding/swallowing program, which includes diagnostic
evaluation under video fluoroscopy in our Radiology department.
All patients receive comprehensive evaluation, treatment plans with
individual goals, patient/family teaching and instruction, and patient
family conferences when indicated. Physicians and other referral sources
are informed of findings, progress, and need for continued treatment on a
regular basis.
Advances in Neurologic
Treatments
Our Speech-Language Pathologists are also
Certified Brain Injury Specialists that develop individualized treatment
plans from advanced assessments to maximize recovery from communication,
cognitive, and swallowing disorders for individuals who have survived a
stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurologic disorder (Parkinson’s).
The Speech Therapy Department utilizes advanced treatment options, such
as LSVT LOUD and VitalStim.
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LSVT LOUD
Lee Silverman Voice
Treatment
LSVT LOUD is a specialized voice therapy conducted by a Certified
LSVT Speech-Language Pathologist to increase vocal loudness in a healthy
way without straining the vocal cords for individuals living with
Parkinson’s disease or other neurological conditions that present
with:
- Soft Voice
- Mumbled Speech
- Monotone Speech
- Hoarse Voice
Research has demonstrated improved vocal loudness, speech
intelligibility, and increase facial expressions after one month of LSVT
LOUD.
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VitalStim Therapy
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VitalStim is designed to help swallowing through the use of
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to aid muscle strengthening and
recruitment to rehabilitate the swallow for individuals that have been
diagnosed with Dysphagia. .
Typical candidates have had a stroke or other neuromuscular diseases
(Parkinson's, ALS), head/neck cancer, or de-conditioning. They
show signs of aspiration, difficulty initiating swallow, drooling, feel
food stuck in the throat, have a modified diet (puree), or require
multiple coughs/swallows to clear their throat.
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To contact the outpatient speech therapy
department or to schedule an appointment, call 215-710-2589 or
215-710-2223.
Speech therapy outpatient services are
offered Monday through Friday.
Please email ddevine1@stmaryhealthcare.org
with questions regarding the Speech Therapy program and
services.
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