Rehabilitation Associates, Inc.

May 2018 Newsletter
Speaking of Speech…
  
By: Sarah B., M.S., CCC-SLP and Kristin Z., M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologists, or SLPs, work with people of all ages- from infancy through adulthood. Many people think of SLPs as working primarily on “speech”, such as helping individuals pronounce sounds clearly or speak fluently. While they do have a way with words, you may be surprised to hear some other areas SLPs are specially trained in. Here are just a few examples:

    Feeding and Swallowing (also known as dysphagia): SLPs diagnose and treat swallowing disorders in infants, toddlers, children and adults. Swallowing disorders can occur from birth, with age, or after an illness or injury. SLPs can work with patients to determine the safest ways to consume foods and liquids.
    AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication: SLPs implement and train individuals who are unable to speak to use alternative means of communication. This can range from something as simple as a paper and pencil, to an iPad controlled through eye gaze!
    Voice: Changes in voice, such as hoarseness or low volume, can easily impact an individual’s ability to communicate, work, and participate in most daily activities. SLPs work closely with ENTs to diagnose and treat voice disorders, to optimize vocal health and quality. 
    Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD): VCD is a condition where the vocal cords close at atypical times, making it difficult to breathe. SLPs teach strategies to eliminate the symptoms of VCD.
    Tongue Thrust: This atypical tongue pattern may have a significant impact on dentition and articulation. SLPs teach exercises that correct tongue thrust speech and/or swallowing patterns.
    Cognitive communication: After a brain injury, such as a concussion or stroke, communicating and cognitive tasks that involve attention, memory, organization, and problem-solving may become very difficult. SLPs diagnose and treat weaknesses in all of these areas.

Our SLPs at Rehabilitation Associates, Inc., are trained to evaluate and treat all of the above disorders and diagnoses, as well as many others that can occur throughout the lifespan. We offer a variety of individual, group, and specialty programs that may address your unique communication, cognitive, and swallowing needs. Contact any of our offices and talk to us about how we can help you.

"I had a wonderful experience and my pain and mobility have greatly improved. It was a pleasure attending this facility and working with AJ."

"Jhasson was awesome! Very kind, compassionate and knowledgeable. All staff very courteous"

"Very good people. I love this place! Emily is the best person!"

"Marjorie was great! Very skilled and nice to work with."

Recognize Signs and Symptoms of Stroke – May is Stroke Awareness Month

By: Sarah P., MSPT, OCS, CSCS

Time is crucial if you fear you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. Statistics indicate that fewer than 50 % of people who experience a stroke call 911 within 1 hour of their onset of symptoms. Furthermore, fewer than 53 % of people who are seen by a doctor for signs and symptoms of a stroke initiate their course of care via 911/EMS. The simple mnemonic of “F.A.S.T.” can help you remember some of the most common signs that someone might be experiencing a stroke.

F: facial drooping – does one side of the persons face look different than the other?
A: arm weakness – have the person raise both arms to their side – does one not raise like the  other?
S: speech difficulty – is the person slurring their speech, or having a hard time finding the word they wish to express?
T: time to call 911 – call as soon as possible – the sooner the person gets to the hospital the greater chance for a full recovery.

Additional signs of stroke include confusion, sudden onset of dizziness, sudden loss of balance or coordination, sudden feeling of numbness in the body (face, arms, legs), sudden onset of headache without a known cause, sudden difficulty walking, sudden visual changes (such as blurring, double vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes), or a feeling of sudden weakness on one side of the body. It is important to note that any of these symptoms alone, or in combination could indicate a stroke – and you should call 911. 
Remember “F.A.S.T.” and call 911 – it may save your life or someone’s life you love. For more information about stroke and prevention visit www.strokeawareness.com.
Five convenient locations!
Fairfield
1931 Black Rock Tpke
203-384-8681
Milford
680 Boston Post Rd
203-783-1997
Shelton
555 Bridgeport Ave
203-922-1773
Stratford
2900 Main St
203-378-0092

Westport
728 Post Road East
203-341-0488
Our Services:
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·      • Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Occupational Therapy
Speech- Language Pathology
Clinical Social Work
Nutrition/Dietary
Pediatrics
Aquatics
Pelvic Floor
Women's Health
Industrial Medicine/Return to Work.....and much more!