Are you having trouble getting dressed, feeling unsteady when you walk, or coughing when you eat or drink? If you are starting to experience these changes, you know they can make everyday life harder. However, it is important to know that therapy may be able to help you.
Speech, occupational and physical therapy can help you recover from an illness or injury, manage health changes, and stay as active and independent as possible. The type of therapy that may help depends on which activities or skills have become harder.
Below you will learn more about the above therapies and how they may help you.
Speech therapy
Speech therapy helps if you are having problems with speaking, understanding information, thinking skills, or swallowing.
Speech therapists, also called speech-language pathologists, work with people of all ages. This may include older adults who have had a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or certain types of surgery.
Speech therapy may help if you have trouble:
After a stroke, for example, a person may have trouble forming words or following a conversation. Another person may cough while eating or drinking because swallowing has become more difficult.
Swallowing problems are common after a stroke. The American Heart Association estimates that dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects about 42% to 67% of people within the first three days after a stroke.
Talk with your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) if you notice ongoing changes in your speech, memory, communication, or ability to swallow. Be sure to mention symptoms such as coughing or choking while eating, trouble finding words, or changes in the way your speech sounds.
If you suddenly have trouble speaking, facial drooping, confusion, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body can be signs of a stroke, call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away.
Severe choking, difficulty breathing, or being unable to speak because your airway is blocked also requires immediate emergency help.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy helps you safely complete important everyday activities.
The word “occupation” does not only mean your job. In occupational therapy, it refers to activities that are part of daily life, such as getting dressed, bathing, preparing meals, driving, managing household tasks, or enjoying hobbies.
An occupational therapist may teach you safer ways to complete daily tasks, recommend helpful equipment, or suggest changes to your home.
For example, an occupational therapist may:
Talk with your doctor or APP about getting occupational therapy if everyday activities are becoming harder or less safe, or if you are having trouble returning to your normal routine after an illness, injury, or surgery.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy helps your body move and function better.
Physical therapists work will work with you if you have pain, weakness, balance problems, injuries, or difficulty moving. They will create a care plan based on your health needs and goals.
Physical therapy may help you:
Talk with your doctor or APP if pain, weakness, falls, balance problems, or difficulty walking are affecting your daily activities, or if you are having trouble returning to your normal routine after surgery or an injury.
Do I need more than one therapy?
Depending on your health needs and goals, your doctor or APP may recommend you do more than one therapy as they often work together.
For example, a person recovering from a stroke may work with a physical therapist to improve walking and balance, an occupational therapist to help with dressing and other daily activities, and a speech therapist to help with speaking, memory, or swallowing.
Each therapist has a different role, but they work together with your healthcare team to support your recovery and health goals.
Changes in your health don't always happen all at once, and it's easy to adapt to them without realizing how much they've affected your daily life. If speaking, walking, getting dressed, swallowing, or other everyday activities have become more difficult, don't ignore these changes. Talk with your primary care doctor or APP about them. They can help determine whether speech, occupational, or physical therapy may improve your function, safety, and quality of life. Remember, the sooner you bring up your concerns, the sooner you can receive the right support to help you stay active, independent, and doing the things that matter most to you.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pang, please contact Village Medical - Copperfield at 346-646-4218 or visit us at 15881 FM 529, Suite A, Houston, TX 77095. We look forward to caring for you and supporting your health every step of the way.