This is a difficult but common query.  There are varying opinions in the medical world regarding recovery of speech following brain incidents. One of the most prevalent theories taught today states there is a window of 6-12 months for optimal recovery and following this time period one should not expect to see much improvement.  With many recent research articles showing improvements outside this window, I believe we will begin to see a shift in education that describes a very different model for recovery, be it speech or motor.  In the meantime the key is finding professionals who can address your specific need(s).  In regards to speech I recommend the following self-assessment:

1. Try singing the words to Row Row Row Your Boat.

2. Now try speaking the words.

Was there any difference in these?   Did you find it easier to speak the words before or after you sang them?

Singing and speaking use the same set of words yet are conveyed through different mediums and initiated with different regions of the brain.  Many people with acquired speech deficits, whether Aphasia, Apraxia, or Dysarthria, say it’s easier to sing these words then to speak them.  Of those, a large percentage said they felt it was easier to speak them once they’d sung the words.  While overly simplified, this demonstrates an ability to improve on one’s speech production.

If you are interested in exploring this further feel free to contact me to set up an initial assessment.

This is not Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or anything other than Music Therapy. While addressing similar goals as other therapies, Music Therapy is quite different in practice and utilizes regions in the brain that process musical properties to achieve the desired results. Music Therapy education focuses on the intersection of music and function, whether that be speaking and singing, walking and rhythm, etc., and how the network connections for musical properties, such as melody and rhythm, can be utilized for positive improvement.  In the model I am educated in and utilize at DBC3, this also entails knowledge of neurological function, physiology, psychology, anatomy, the mechanics of the vocal apparatus and motor function.

If you are having speech difficulties, chances are seeing both would yield the best results. Many research papers have demonstrated that multi-modal approaches to recovery show the best results. Speech pathologists often work on a wide range of communication goals, both verbal and non-verbal, whereas a Music Therapist is likely going to work predominantly on verbal communication. This can be a good team approach and allow for each therapist to compliment the other. Many of my clients have come to me after being discharged from Speech Pathology. However, as soon as there are improvements in verbal communication I recommend being re-evaluated by an SLP.