Learn How Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy Helps in Stroke Recovery for Stroke Awareness Month.

Sophia Apgar
May 13
4 min read

The American Stroke Association recognizes May as Stroke Awareness Month. Experiencing a stroke can have profound effects on an individual's ability to communicate and safely eat. Many stroke survivors face challenges with speech and language, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Speech therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, helping individuals regain their communication skills and confidence.

Two women sit on a beige couch, smiling and talking. One holds a tablet. Both wear blue outfits. The background is minimalistic. — Improving speech and language with use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy focuses on improving communication skills, which may include speaking, understanding language, reading, and writing. Additionally, therapy can focus on speech clarity, memory, and safety awareness/problem solving. For stroke survivors, speech therapy is tailored to address specific deficits caused by the stroke, helping them to relearn and improve their abilities.

Common Speech and Language Challenges After a Stroke

Aphasia: A condition that affects a person's ability to understand or produce language. Stroke survivors may struggle to find the right words or may speak in incomplete sentences.
Dysarthria: This refers to slurred or slow speech due to weakness in the muscles that control speech. It can make communication difficult, even if the person knows what they want to say.
Apraxia of Speech: A motor speech disorder that affects the ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. Individuals may know what they want to say but have trouble pronouncing words correctly.
Cognitive-Communication Skills: Stroke can impact attention, memory, problem-solving, and executive functions that are necessary for everyday communication. Speech therapy often includes exercises to improve attention span, memory retention, and problem-solving in a conversational context.

At Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals with aphasia and apraxia, providing support to reclaim speech and communication skills at any stage. Learn more about the difference between aphasia and apraxia here.

The Role of a Speech Therapist

A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), is trained to assess and treat speech and language disorders. After a stroke, a speech therapist will:

Conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the specific communication challenges faced by the individual.
Develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs and goals of the patient.
Utilize various techniques and exercises to improve speech clarity, language comprehension, and overall communication skills.
Assist with choosing communication device options (Augmentative and Alternative Communcation).
Provide education and support to family members to help them communicate effectively with their loved one.

Benefits of Speech Therapy After a Stroke

Engaging in speech therapy can lead to numerous benefits for stroke survivors, including:

Improved communication skills, enabling individuals to express their thoughts and needs more effectively.
Enhanced confidence in social interactions, which can lead to better emotional well-being.
Increased independence in daily activities, as communication becomes clearer.
Support for cognitive functions related to language processing and memory.

Therapy Appoaches at Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy

Individualized Treatment Plans: Therapy is tailored to the individual's specific needs based on the severity of the stroke and the particular challenges faced. Learn more about speech therapy for aphasia at Insight Speech.
Techniques and Exercises: These might include articulation, structured conversations, memory exercises, word retrieval activities, or using technological aids to assist with language recovery.
Supporting Communication: At Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy, we prioritize improving communication between individuals and their family, caregivers, and community. Strategies can include eliminating distractions and well as supporting conversation with writing, visual supports, and AAC.
Family Involvement: Family members play an important role in the therapy process by providing support and helping the patient practice outside of sessions.

Speech therapy is an essential component of recovery for stroke survivors facing communication challenges. With the right support and intervention, individuals can make significant progress in their speech and language abilities, improving their overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, consider reaching out to a qualified speech therapist to explore the options available for rehabilitation.

Speech Therapy Treatment following Stroke in Cherry Hill NJ

Speech therapy services are offered in various settings in order to suit your needs:

In our office: Conveniently located in Cherry Hill, NJ, our clinic offers a comfortable environment for therapy sessions.
Online: Teletherapy options are available for those who prefer or require remote services, ensuring continued support from the comfort of home.
In-home: In-home therapy services in Cherry Hill, NJ, and surrounding South Jersey communities, making therapy accessible and personalized. We serve areas within 15 minutes of our office.

Why Choose Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy?

At Insight, we prioritize your individual needs and are committed to offering exceptional care to help you or your loved one overcome challenges with communication and swallowing following stroke.

Schedule an Appointment with Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy Today!

Whether you prefer in-office, online, or in-home sessions, we’re here to help you reach your goals.