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Millions of Americans have a communication or swallowing disorder. These disorders affect people of all ages and from all walks of life.

“Fortunately, most people with speech, language and swallowing problems can be helped,” said Candace B. Ibbotson, speech pathologist at Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg. “Even if a problem cannot be eliminated, we can teach strategies to help people cope with speech and language problems. They may not fully regain their capacity to speak and understand, but a speech pathologist can help them live more independently.”

Speech therapy also helps to improve swallowing problems that commonly occur following a stroke, radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and from diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). “In our outpatient clinic here at Hill Country Memorial Hospital, we treat many patients with swallowing issues,” Ms. Ibbotson said. “We have had tremendous success with Vital Stim, which is a form of neuromuscular stimulation. After a stroke, one of my patients reported that she could eat only two or three bites at a meal because she would get choked. After speech therapy using Vital Stim, this same patient was thrilled to report she could now eat a hamburger!”

For questions about a speech or swallowing disorder or how speech therapy may help you or a family member, talk with your physician or call the HCMH Outpatient Clinic at 830-997-1414 or 830-997-1357.