Post-stroke speech therapy: language rehabilitation after stroke
A stroke can have profound consequences on communication. Among the possible deficits, one of the most common and challenging is aphasia, an acquired disorder that affects oral language production and comprehension, reading and writing. Approximately one-third of people who suffer a stroke develop aphasia, underscoring the importance of specialized care tailored to each individual. In this context, post-stroke speech therapy plays an essential role in promoting language recovery and improve the patient’s quality of life.
What is aphasia after stroke?
Aphasia is the loss or impairment of the ability to communicate due to a brain injury, often in the left hemisphere, which is where the areas responsible for language are usually located. It may manifest as difficulties in speaking fluently, finding words, understanding spoken or written language, or writing. The severity and profile of symptoms vary widely among affected individuals.
Scientific evidence on post-stroke speech therapy
Scientific evidence shows that speech and language therapy is effective in improving various language skills after stroke:
A Cochrane systematic review that included 57 controlled clinical trials with a total of 3002 participants found that, compared to receiving no therapy, speech therapy improves functional communication, reading, writing, and language expression in people with aphasia.
The benefits observed were clinically significant, although the duration of these effects may vary and depend on factors such as the intensity of the intervention and the individual characteristics of each patient.
In addition, further clinical studies show that structured programs (e.g., 30- to 60-minute sessions, twice a week for several weeks) can be effective in improving speech fluency, listening comprehension, reading and naming in patients with subacute aphasia after stroke.
Why early and ongoing intervention is important
According to larger reviews, the greatest benefits are usually seen when the intervention is initiated as early as possible after the stroke and administered with adequate frequency and dosage. Early speech therapy (even in the first few weeks after stroke) is associated with improved outcomes in communication and functional skills, although improvement may continue even beyond the first few months.
How can post-stroke speech therapy help?
Speech therapy intervention after stroke focuses on:
- A detailed evaluation
A speech-language pathologist performs a comprehensive evaluation to identify which aspects of language and communication are affected and establish personalized therapeutic goals.
- Improved functional communication
It’s not just about practicing words or phrases: it’s about working to enable the person to communicate effectively in real situations, whether in conversation, reading or writing.
- Specific techniques adapted to the patient
Therapy may include language recovery exercises, compensatory strategies, communication skills training and family support to facilitate social participation.
- Continuous and personalized interventions
The duration, intensity and frequency of sessions are tailored to individual needs. Some patients may benefit from intensive therapy at specific periods, while others progress with a more moderate approach depending on their tolerance and goals.
Observed benefits of post-stroke speech therapy on recovery
Evidence suggests that:
- Individuals with post-stroke aphasia who receive speech therapy tend to have better functional communication than those who do not receive similar therapy.
- Improvement may include speaking, listening oral expression, language comprehension, reading and writing.
- Intervention can also increase quality of life and social participation when combined with family support and practice in everyday settings.
What therapy with a speech therapist in Malaga may be like
In a specialized practice, The speech-language pathologist works with each person (and their family when appropriate) to maximize their communication skills. Sessions may include:
- Functional communication strategies
- Exercises to improve speech fluency and comprehension
- Reading and writing training
- Personalized recommendations for the family and social environment
Conclusion
Speech therapy is an effective and evidence-based intervention for people with aphasia after stroke. Its objective is not only to restore language functions, but also to improve the communication in daily life and quality of life. Scientific studies support its effectiveness, especially when started early and tailored to individual needs.
- Grigos MI, Velozo CA, Humbert IA. The Role of Speech-Language Pathology in the Management of Dysphagia in Stroke. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2021;102(3):528-535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2020.08.117
- Cichero JAY, Lam P, Steele CM, Hanson B, Chen J, Dantas RO, Duivestein J, Kayashita J, Lecko C, et al. Development of International Terminology and Definitions for Texture-Modified Foods and Thickened Fluids Used in Dysphagia Management. Dysphagia. 2017;32(2):293-314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9758-y
- Lazar RM, Antoniello D. Variability in recovery from aphasia .Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports. 2008;8(6):497-502. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-008-0076-2
- Bhogal SK, Teasell RW, Speechley MR. Intensity of aphasia therapy, impact on recovery. Stroke. 2003;34(4):987-993. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000062343.64383.D0
- World Health Organization (WHO). Post-stroke rehabilitation: a clinical guide for health professionals. WHO, 2017. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/stroke-rehabilitation-clinical-practice-guideline
