Overview

Speech and language therapy (SALT) is a type of training that involves a mixture of exercises that can help you have better insight into how to speak more efficiently and effectively, improve swallowing and saliva control and reduce the risks of choking.

Process

SALT is an ongoing process involving sessions with a specially trained and regulated practitioner called a speech and language therapist, exercises for you to complete at home and techniques to put into practice. The process could be a combination of voice, breathing, mouth and swallowing exercises.

Suitability

SALT is used for several types of dystonia that affect the voice, eating, drinking, swallowing, and saliva control. It is often most helpful in voice dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia), dystonia affecting the mouth and dystonic cerebral palsy. It is suitable for both adults and children.

Benefits

SALT can help improve symptomatic problems. It is non-invasive and can have a positive impact on your confidence.

Risks

There are no known risks.

Success

The success of SALT depends on the type of problems it is being used to treat. Since dystonia is a neurological condition you could have little or no control over your symptoms so in some circumstances the approach only results in a limited benefit. It is usually used alongside other treatments to help alleviate symptoms.

Access

Because SALT is usually used as part of a larger treatment plan, you will be usually be referred through your neurologist or clinical team if they think it might be helpful.