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Speech-Language Therapy

Speech-Language Therapy2022-09-19T02:26:26-04:00

CentraState provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient therapy services to people of all ages with speech, language, voice, swallowing, and cognitive-linguistic deficits. Our speech-language pathologists have advanced training and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

732-294-2700
REQUEST INFORMATION
732-294-2700
REQUEST INFORMATION

CentraState provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient therapy services to people of all ages with speech, language, voice, swallowing, and cognitive-linguistic deficits. Our speech-language pathologists have advanced training and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Pediatric Outpatient Services

If you would like to speak with a specialist in regards to the pediatric outpatient speech-language therapy program, call 732-294-2700.

Adult Outpatient Services

To learn about the adult outpatient speech-language therapy program and modified barium swallow scheduling, call 732-294-2700.

THERAPY TREATMENT METHODS

Voice or swallowing difficulties can happen in patients with stroke, progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury or brain tumor, and head and neck cancer. We treat patients for:

  • Receptive and expressive language impairment/aphasia (a communication disorder resulting from damage or injury to the brain)
  • Apraxia (a motor disorder affecting speech)
  • Dysarthria (slurred speech)
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Changes in voice quality
  • Changes in cognition (memory, ability to think clearly or organize daily responsibilities)
  • Pediatric diagnoses:
    • Articulation and phonology disorders
    • Speech delay
    • Language delay or disorder
    • Auditory processing disorder
    • Feeding or swallowing difficulties
    • Fluency
    • Voice disorder
    • Cognitive impairments
    • Apraxia
    • Augmentative and alternative communication

CentraState’s VitalStim® Therapy program is designed for outpatients with dysphagia—or problems swallowing—which can happen due to stroke, a traumatic head injury, certain cancer treatments, or the onset of a neurological disease or respiratory condition. VitalStim® Therapy uses an electrical current to stimulate the muscles that are responsible for swallowing. While the muscles are stimulated, a trained rehabilitation specialist guides the patient through a series of exercises designed to “re-educate” the muscles to help with swallowing.

For more information on VitalStim® Therapy at CentraState, please call 732-294-2700.

Our therapists are trained in administering modified barium swallow studies—a non-invasive test performed using X-rays to determine the safety and function of swallowing. Images are taken while drinking liquids and eating foods. Barium is mixed with liquids and foods, such as puddings or cookies, to determine what liquids and foods are safe to swallow. The test can also detect if food or liquids go into the larynx (windpipe) and lungs. With modified barium swallow testing, swallowing problems can be effectively diagnosed and properly treated.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE RESOURCES

Speech and language therapy patients should complete the appropriate forms and bring them to the first appointment:

PHYSICIANS

Raymond Esquieres, MD RE

Raymond Esquieres, MD

Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Sergey Bogdan, MD SB

Sergey Bogdan, MD

Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Scott Woska, MD SW

Scott Woska, MD

Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Gary Yen, MD

Gary Yen, MD

Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Evander Duck, MS, MD ED

Evander Duck, MS, MD

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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VITALSTIM FAQs

During the first treatment, patients are assessed under a modified barium swallow. This process helps our specialists determine the exact area of impairment so they can place the electrodes properly on the patient’s face, neck or throat. The electrodes then provide electrical to the muscles and nerves responsible for swallowing while exercises are performed and swallowing in evaluated.

Each VitalStim® session lasts 60 minutes and is performed five days a week. Patients also receive a customized home-exercise program to be performed twice a day. By performing these tasks in therapy and at home, patients will be able to successfully re-educate the muscles needed for safer swallowing.

Depending on the underlying medical problem causing the dysphagia, patients often see results after 6 to 20 treatment sessions. Therapy has allowed some patients who have not been able to swallow for more than a year to intake liquids and solid foods within their first few therapy sessions.

Yes, first ask your doctor for a referral then call our rehabilitation center at 732-294-2700. We will be glad to answer your questions or schedule an initial evaluation.

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