Speech and language pathology
Penn Medicine excellence in speech and language pathology
Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) care for those with head and neck injuries or disorders and neurological conditions. SLPs see patients in the hospital after head and neck surgery and afterward in our offices for ongoing care. We also treat anyone who depends on their voice professionally, such as singers, actors, teachers, and public speakers.
The speech and language pathology team at Penn Medicine uses proven research-based techniques. You get personalized, targeted, effective treatment for voice, speech, swallowing, and airway conditions, no matter how complex your needs. You’ll receive care from experts who are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes and improve your quality of life.
We aim to boost your vocal abilities, help you develop effective communication techniques, and restore your ability to safely eat and drink. Our SLPs work closely with your referring physician to ensure you receive coordinated, seamless care.
Speech and language conditions we treat
- Hoarseness
- Reflux laryngitis
- Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
- Vocal cord dysfunction
Comprehensive speech therapy care improves quality of life
Penn Medicine SLPs offer a variety of therapies to help you heal and improve your quality of life. We evaluate you thoroughly to gain a comprehensive view of your needs. Depending on your condition, we may collaborate with otorhinolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists. Then, we work with you to find a personalized treatment plan that preserves your highest level of function.
Our team works with people experiencing voice and speech issues, swallowing difficulty, and airway problems:
Many illnesses and injuries can affect your vocal quality or speaking abilities. Our SLPs work closely with ear, nose, and throat specialists to treat the underlying issue and help you regain your vocal function. We deliver effective, personalized care plans for voice and speech disorders to improve your ability to communicate.
Head and neck surgery or neurological conditions can lead to difficulty swallowing. Our SLPs provide swallowing therapy techniques that help you strengthen your tongue muscles and improve coordination, reducing your risk of choking. We work closely with otorhinolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonary medicine physicians, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for swallowing disorders.
You don’t always think about your ability to speak or breathe until it becomes a challenge. Conditions that affect your airway can significantly limit your abilities and affect your quality of life. We understand how frustrating airway disorders can be and commit to bringing you effective treatment.
Our SLPs and otorhinolaryngologists are leaders in treating airway disorders. We’re experts in airway stenosis (narrowing) and caring for those recovering from or discontinuing a tracheostomy.
Other speech therapy and rehabilitation services
Our speech-language pathologists offer specialized care for:
This program may be right for you if you’re a non-native English speaker with an accent that interferes with your communication. Designed for those with a command of the English language, the program includes a comprehensive evaluation and speech analysis to inform your personalized, targeted treatment plan. The seven to 12-week program aims to reduce your accent so others can understand your speech more easily.
Gender-affirming speech therapy can help you change the way you speak to reflect your gender expression. A speech therapist may help you alter your vocal pitch, tone, quality, volume, or rhythm. They can also help you with word choice, non-verbal communication, and expressing yourself in different social situations.
If your profession involves singing or speaking, voice problems can interfere with your ability to perform or do your job. Our speech-language pathologists are experts at caring for conditions affecting your vocal cords, voice box, and throat muscles. We can help you heal and learn strategies to care for and preserve your voice.
Speech, language, and swallowing disorder treatment
Our speech-language pathologists use a range of techniques to improve your speech, vocal quality, and swallowing abilities. We personalize our approach to your needs to ensure you receive the most effective care plan.
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and brain or spinal cord injuries can cause speech or swallowing problems. We work with you, your doctors, and occupational and physical therapists to improve your function and maximize your independence.
Some of our SLPs have specialized training in programs to help people experiencing voice and swallowing disorders resulting specifically from Parkinson’s disease.
Partners in your rehabilitation
Through a unique partnership, GSPP Rehabilitation serves as the official therapy provider for Penn Medicine in the city and suburbs of Philadelphia and parts of New Jersey, delivering innovative rehabilitation at two inpatient facilities and numerous outpatient locations.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.