Speech and Swallowing Therapy

Our licensed speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have disorders in communication and problems with swallowing.

Communication encompasses speech, language, reading, writing, voice, cognition, and nonverbal communication. Communication disorders result when deficits in articulation/pronunciation, voice, fluency, language, cognition, or nonverbal communication interfere with a person’s ability to interpret information and/or exchange information with others.

Swallowing disorders interfere with individuals’ ability to consume food and liquids. People with impaired swallowing may describe food “sticking” in their throat, may repeatedly clear their throat, or cough or choke while eating or drinking.

Speech-language and swallowing therapy services offered at UMass Memorial Health – Harrington’s main campus in Southbridge includes an evaluation and treatment for:

• Adult speech disorders
• Neurologically based communication disorders / LSVT Loud Program
• Cognitive aspects of communication (e.g., attention, memory, and reasoning)
• Neuromuscular, oral/facial impairment (e.g., Bell’s Palsy)
• Swallowing disorders / Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS)