July 27th is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day. Survivors of head and neck cancer often face numerous challenges during their recovery journey, with swallowing difficulties being one of the most significant. After undergoing treatment, such as surgery, radiation, or...
There are many techniques speech therapists are trained in to help an individual improve swallowing function, starting with a thorough assessment. This may be an instrumental evaluation, using X-ray technology (modified barium swallow study) or with an endoscope that...
In August of 2023 I completed training to become a provider for VitalStim dysphagia treatment, a neuromuscular electrostimulation modality to improve swallowing. I did a follow-up training in December 2024 for the VitalStim Plus, which offers all kinds of fun options...
When people think of speech therapy, they often imagine exercises focused on articulating "s" and "r". However, manual touch therapy for voice and swallowing is an increasingly recognized approach that uses hands-on techniques to help individuals with dysphagia...
Last Thursday I attended the monthly Parkinson's Disease Support Group (takes place every third Thursday at 6:00 at p.m. at Utah Specialty Hospital, 306 West River Bend Lane, Provo). Dan Adams and Brett Walker from PhotoPharmics explained the science behind an...
Introduction There's a common misconception that speech therapy is exclusively for children, but the reality is far more diverse. Adults also face speech challenges that can significantly impact their communication and quality of life. Adult Speech Challenges...
November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness month. Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, bringing with it challenges to communication, memory, and activities of daily living. As a Speech Language Pathologist, I am often asked, "Can speech therapy...
Introduction May is stroke awareness month. A stroke can be a life-altering event, affecting not only physical abilities but also communication skills. The journey to recovery after a stroke often involves various therapies, and one of the most crucial among them is...
Introduction The intricate relationship between swallowing function and dental health often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Swallowing difficulties can impact oral hygiene and dental wellness, and vice versa. Understanding this...
Esophageal cancer poses significant challenges not only to physical health but also to communication and swallowing functions. April is esophageal cancer awareness month, making today a good time to learn about the treatment of this condition, difficulties with speech...
Welcome to Live Well Speech Therapy, where we explore a rich array of topics ranging from innovative speech therapy techniques to practical tips for everyday communication. Dive into our blog for insightful articles designed to help you and your loved ones communicate more effectively and live well!