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Speech therapy

Learn how speech therapy in inpatient rehabilitation can help you regain independence and improve your quality of life.

Getting started with speech therapy

When you're recovering from a serious illness or injury, being able to communicate, think clearly and safely swallow can make a big difference in your daily life. No one understands that better than our speech-language pathologists. In inpatient rehabilitation, your speech-language pathologist will help you regain those important skills so you can communicate, connect with others and get back to doing the things that matter most to you.

Speech therapy is a key component of our interdisciplinary approach to care. While physical therapy focuses on regaining strength, balance and mobility and occupational therapy focuses on learning how to perform everyday tasks such as bathing and cooking, speech therapy concentrates on building the strength needed for speech, language, cognition-communication and swallowing.

Learn more about speech therapy
A speech therapist demonstrating facial exercises to a patient

What’s included in speech language pathology?

What’s included in speech language pathology? Speech-language pathologists—also known as speech therapists—are part of your rehabilitation care team. They work with you to improve:
  • Speech and language - helping you to speak more clearly and express your thoughts.
  • Cognitive-communication - improving memory, attention and problem-solving skills.
  • Swallowing and eating - strengthening muscles used to swallow safely and eat comfortably.

Speech therapy exercises range from simple to complex. They may include fun and functional activities—like games, exercises and tools—to support your recovery. They may also introduce helpful strategies or technology, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback.

A speech therapist demonstrating facial exercises to a patient
A speech therapist meeting with a patient at his bedside

Conditions speech pathologists treat

Many neurological or traumatic conditions can affect your ability to speak, think clearly or swallow. Our speech therapy team supports patients recovering from:

  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders
  • Spinal cord injury
A speech therapist meeting with a patient at his bedside

The Encompass Health difference

Experience that matters

As the largest network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, we have the experience and access to the latest treatments and technology to help you recover more quickly and effectively.

Compassionate care

Your rehabilitation is not just about physical recovery. It's about you as a person. Our multidisciplinary care team will provide unwavering support and give you the strength, skills and confidence needed to regain your highest level of independence.

Exceptional results

Intensive therapy works. At our hospitals, you will receive three hours of therapy per day, five days a week, along with frequent visits from your physician and 24/7 nursing care. This combination is designed to help you achieve the best possible recovery.

Nurses helping a patient walk on parallel bars

Your care team

From 24-hour nursing care to specially trained rehabilitation nurses, therapists, physicians and case managers, we are here to support you in every way possible.
Nurses helping a patient walk on parallel bars
Explore our care approach

Speech therapy FAQs

You’ll practice activities that help with speaking clearly, remembering things, solving problems, and swallowing safely. You may also learn helpful tools—like using a diary or smartphone—to manage your daily routines.
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