We work with adults who are experiencing any of the following: hoarseness, breathiness, difficulty projecting the voice, too low/high pitch, losing voice, muscle tension while talking, throat pain while talking, changes in voice following athletic performance, chronic cough/throat clearing, difficulty breathing.
It is important for you to see an Ear Nose and Throat doctor for visualization of his/her vocal cords and to help decide if medical or surgical management is required. Voice therapy with the Speech-Language Pathologist will help identify behaviours that may be contributing to the voice difficulties and establish a set of vocal exercises leading to a better voice. We also offer post-surgical scar reduction voice therapy. These services are offered at the Barrhaven and Train Yards offices.
Gender affirming voice therapy focuses on inflection, rate of speech, intonation, volume, choice of words, postures, and hand gestures. Our clients, as they undergo on their journey toward full transition, have different goals with respect to their voice. Our programs are customized to each client’s individual needs.
Myofascial release therapy is a hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial constrictions such as tightness or scar tissue. It serves to eliminate pain and restore motion.
Lee-Silverman Voice Treatment is a therapy program for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Swallowing is something that seems so simple but it can be a complicated process. Adults who have swallowing difficulties or dysphagia may complain of the following: food sticking in mouth or throat, choking with liquids or food, pain with swallowing, drooling, regurgitation, unexplained weight loss, difficulty controlling food in the mouth. Speech-Language Pathologists can assess your swallowing function and provide recommendations to facilitate the swallowing and eating processes.
Adults with developmental delays may need to work with a Speech-Language Pathologist to improve their communication skills. We can provide support with the use of signs, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), or other AAC (Alternative/Augmentative Communication).
Adults who have acquired or degenerative neurological disorders, such as a stroke, brain injury or Parkinson’s, may have a resulting difficulties with speech, language, feeding/swallowing, reading or writing.
Adults who stutter know what they want to say but have difficulty saying it. Examples include prolonging a sound, repeating a sound, word, or syllable. We may use one or more of the following approaches in working with you:
Treatment may not eliminate all of the stuttering; however, it can teach skills that help to communicate more effectively.