Sharing information on swallowing and speech rehabilitation and new treatment approaches, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Şirzai said, "Rehabilitation techniques developed with the possibilities of modern medicine are a great source of hope, especially for individuals with swallowing and speech disorders caused by neurological diseases, accidents, aging and various other reasons. Swallowing problems can be seen after head and neck cancer treatment, especially after surgical interventions or radiotherapy."
Stating that swallowing rehabilitation is important to improve the quality of life of patients, Romatem Move Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Şirzai said, "Swallowing disorders can occur for various reasons such as neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, stroke (stroke), multiple sclerosis (MS), ALS, head traumas and Alzheimer's, head and neck cancers, age-related difficulties. Thanks to the exercises, techniques and devices applied during the rehabilitation process, nutrition, fluid intake, prevention of lung infections and general quality of life of patients can be significantly improved."
'SWALLOWING DISORDERS AFTER STROKE IS A COMMON PROBLEM'
Referring to the application areas of swallowing therapy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şirzai said, "Parkinson's patients may experience swallowing difficulties and saliva accumulation. Rehabilitation includes various exercises to ensure muscle coordination and strengthen swallowing function. Swallowing disorders are a common problem after stroke. Swallowing rehabilitation helps these patients to regain safe nutrition and fluid intake. Swallowing problems can occur after treatment for multiple sclerosis and head and neck cancer, especially after surgical interventions or radiotherapy. The therapy methods applied in this case enable patients to maintain their eating habits safely."
'SPEECH DISORDERS MAY DEVELOP DEPENDING ON AGE'
Stating that speech rehabilitation not only enables individuals to pronounce words correctly, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şirzai said that it also contributes to regaining their social life. Explaining that speech disorders can develop due to various neurological diseases, vocal cord problems, head traumas and age, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şirzai stated that personalized therapy methods are very effective in the treatment of these disorders.
METHODS USED IN SPEECH REHABILITATION
Stating the methods used in speech rehabilitation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şirzai concluded his words as follows:
"Aphasia (Language Impairment), which occurs after a stroke, can create difficulties with speech and language comprehension. Specialized speech therapies are applied that enable individuals to regain their language skills.
Dysarthria (Inability to Control Speech Muscles), which develops as a result of neurological diseases, leads to speech disorders due to lack of muscle control. He recommends a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with this condition to relearn voice control and correct articulation.
Voice therapy may occur after problems with the vocal cords, excessive shouting, improper voice use or surgical interventions. Voice therapy improves the quality of the voice by ensuring that the vocal cords are used correctly."
Stating that the emotional state, psychological support and compliance with the rehabilitation process should be taken into consideration in the treatment process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şirzai said, "The treatment process of each individual needs to be customized, swallowing and speech disorders are disorders that have not only a physical but also a psychological effect. For this reason, a treatment plan is created by taking into account the emotional state, psychological support and compliance with the rehabilitation process. As a result, swallowing and speech rehabilitation is not only a medical treatment, but also an important field that enables individuals to communicate freely and lead a healthy life."
Source : DHA News
