Speech Pathology

Speech pathology restores your connection to the world

Communication and safe swallowing are the foundations of a healthy and independent life. At Reid Health, our speech pathology program helps people across East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio regain their voices and confidence. Whether you’re recovering from a stroke, managing a neurological condition, or seeking help for a swallowing disorder, our team provides expert care to help you stay connected to loved ones and daily activities.

We designed our services to be accessible and convenient for our neighbors. Our main rehab center is located very close to the hospital, which is vital for people with head and neck cancer who may need therapy immediately following a procedure. We offer specialized oncology rooms for advanced diagnostics like videostroboscopy along with two new, private speech treatment rooms. To ensure easy access, we provide abundant free parking and valet services at the hospital. We also keep wheelchairs on-site for anyone who needs assistance moving from the parking area to the clinic. 

What is speech-language pathology?

Many people assume speech therapy is only for children who have trouble with specific sounds or for someone with a stutter. While those are important areas of care, speech pathology — also called speech-language pathology — is a much broader medical field. It is the specialized study and treatment of human communication and swallowing disorders. Our speech-language pathologists are experts in the complex systems that allow you to express yourself and nourish your body safely.

Communication involves a coordinated effort between the brain, the breath, and the muscles of the face and throat. You must find the right words, put them in order, and move your tongue and lips with precision while understanding the response of others. Swallowing requires a similar level of coordination. To swallow safely, the muscles in your throat must work together to move food into the esophagus while perfectly timing the closure of your airway to protect your lungs. Whether you’re relearning how to speak after a stroke or practicing techniques to swallow without coughing, our SLPs provide the expert guidance needed to master these vital life skills.

What do speech-language pathologists do?

Our speech-language pathologists — often called speech therapists — work with people of all ages, from infants to seniors. Our goal is to improve your ability to communicate and ensure you can eat and drink safely and comfortably.

On a typical day, a speech therapist might help a stroke survivor find their words again, help a teacher recover from a strained voice, or work with an infant with a cleft palate to ensure they can feed properly. We’re part medical expert, part teacher, and part coach, providing the tools you need to reach your goals. 

Advanced technology for better results

We believe you deserve access to the most advanced tools available. We use a variety of tools and therapies to look deeper into your challenges and provide more effective treatments.

Modified barium swallow studies (MBS)

If you’re struggling with a swallowing disorder, we need to see exactly what is happening inside your throat. A modified barium swallow study (MBS) is a specialized X-ray that allows your therapist to watch you swallow in real-time. This helps us see if food or liquid travels through your throat and esophagus, and allows us to test different techniques or food textures that make eating safer for you.

Videostroboscopy

For those with voice disorders, we use videostroboscopy. This procedure uses a high-tech camera and a flashing light to capture a slow-motion view of your vocal cords in action. It allows us to detect subtle vibrations and irregularities, helping us identify the root cause of your hoarseness or vocal fatigue.

VitalStim therapy

We’re proud to offer VitalStim, a noninvasive therapy that uses small electrical pulses to stimulate the muscles used for swallowing. When paired with traditional exercises, VitalStim can help “retrain” your muscles, helping you return to a normal diet faster and reducing the risk of complications.

Augmented and alternative communication (AAC) devices

When speaking isn't an option, we find other ways for you to share your message. Augmented and Alternative Communication devices range from simple picture boards to high-tech computers that can speak for you. We help you find the right device and teach you how to use it so you never lose your connection to your loved ones.

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) 

During a FEES assessment, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the nose to view the throat from above. This allows the therapist to observe how well the throat handles different foods and liquids without the use of X-rays.

SPEAK OUT! Parkinson’s programming

Reid Health offers the SPEAK OUT!® program specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This evidence-based therapy focuses on speaking with "intent" to convert speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. We offer both individual sessions and group settings to provide ongoing support and practice.

Iowa oral performance instrument (IOPI)

IOPI uses a small, air-filled bulb to measure the strength and endurance of the tongue and lips. This data helps our team track progress and set objective goals for people with swallowing or speech-sound disorders. 

What to expect during your treatment at Reid

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but we make the process as comfortable as possible. You aren't just a diagnosis to us; you’re a person with a story, and we want to hear it.

Your journey begins with an in-depth evaluation. We’ll talk about your history, your frustrations, and your goals. We might use some of the specialized tests mentioned above to get a clear picture of your needs. Once we have those answers, we’ll build a plan together.

Your sessions will be one-on-one with a licensed therapist. We might practice specific speech sounds, use technology like VitalStim, or work on memory strategies. We often provide simple exercises you can do at home to keep your progress moving forward. At every step, we’re here to answer your questions and cheer you on.