Iowa Speech Solutions, PLLC

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Johnston, IA
Iowa Speech Solutions, PLLC

Adult medical/neuro speech, language, swallow and cognitive services. Based in Des Moines, Iowa. Our visits are by appointment only.

Please give us a call and we will be as flexible as possible. We can offer in home options, depending on the case and location. We are currently accepting Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Midlands Choice. Pending enrollment with Medicaid and Humana. We are adult focused, personalized, specialized and flexible. Our clinicians have additional training in adult dysphagia (swallowing), Parkinson's Voice (SPEAK OUT! and LSVT LOUD), short program for ARK J Trismus, McNeill Dysphagia (swallowing) Program and Intensive Dysphagia treatment, AAC, and Dementia Practitioner.

09/10/2025

📊 Our Clients’ Voices Matter in Speech Therapy

In adult speech therapy and rehab, progress isn’t just about standardized test scores or therapist observations; it’s also about how clients feel they’re doing. That’s where Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) come in. There are numerous free
or easily accessible PROMS out there for many areas of a SLPs large scope of practice.

-PROMs let clients share their own perspective on communication, confidence, daily participation, and quality of life.
-They help guide therapy goals and track meaningful change.
-Most importantly, they keep therapy centered on the person.

Because progress is more than numbers. It’s about impact. 💡

List your favorite PROMS in the comments and bonus if you tell us why!

Slide 1: “What are PROMs?” with question marks. Slide 2 explains PROMs as Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, client views on progress. Slide 3 lists benefits: sharing perspective, guiding goals, tracking change, centering therapy.

09/04/2025

📢 Medicare Telehealth Coverage for SLPs at Risk

As of right now, Medicare coverage for speech therapy via telehealth is set to expire on September 30, 2025.

I’ve been searching for any recent updates or legislation that might extend coverage, but as of this weekend, I haven’t been able to find anything significant.

Telehealth has been a lifeline for many of my clients, especially those with mobility challenges, transportation barriers, or chronic health conditions. Losing this option would be a huge step backward for access to care.

👉 If you’ve come across updates, bills, or advocacy efforts in progress, please share—I’d love to connect and keep the conversation going.

09/04/2025

The Power of Repetition and Routine in Rehab
In adult speech therapy and rehabilitation, progress isn’t usually made through “one big breakthrough.” Instead, it’s the steady rhythm of repetition and routine that helps the brain and body heal.

Repetition strengthens new neural connections, while routine creates structure that supports follow-through outside of therapy sessions.

-Repetition rewires pathways.
-Routine builds confidence.
-Together, they make progress stick.

In adult rehab, those “little things done often” are what create big changes.

Graphic with a bluish ombre background fading to light blue at the bottom. Text reads: “Little things done often create big changes. Repetition rewires pathways. Routine builds confidence. Together, they make progress stick.”

08/28/2025

✨ Private Practice Perks: Personalizing Adult Rehab

One of the biggest joys of adult rehab in private practice is the freedom to personalize care. Each client’s journey looks different; whether it’s returning to work after a brain injury, rebuilding confidence with communication, or supporting independence
at home.

Private practice allows clinicians to:
- Prioritize client-driven goals and needs (not someone else’s productivity)
- Incorporate innovative, individualized tools and approaches
- Collaborate closely with families and care partners

The result? More meaningful progress and sustainable outcomes.
For me, this is what makes private practice deeply rewarding.

In private practice, sessions can be flexible, creative, and focused on what really matters to the person in front of us. 💡

Because rehab isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Image with yellow background and bold black text reading “rehab isn’t one-size-fits-all.” Below, staggered blue tiles say “private practice is personalized care.” Clean, simple design emphasizing individualized treatment.

08/22/2025

Rebuilding from the Inside Out: Why PT and SLP Collaboration Matters for Muscle Tension Dysphagia and Dysphonia

Voice and swallowing issues like muscle tension dysphagia and dysphonia aren’t just about the throat, they often stem from full body patterns of compensation.
When Speech Language Pathologists and Physical Therapists work together, we address the why behind chronic tension, not just the symptoms. From poor core engagement to postural imbalance and reflux, interdisciplinary care supports long term change.
Read our latest blog on why collaboration matters: www.iowaspeechsolutions.com

Image with bold text announcing a new blog post titled “Why Interdisciplinary Care Matters in Muscle Tension Dysphagia and Dysphonia.” Clean, clinical design with teal and navy tones.

08/15/2025

Why PT + SLP Collaboration Matters for Muscle Tension Dysphagia & Dysphonia

Muscle tension in the voice and swallow isn’t always just about poor technique, it’s often a whole-body issue.

Chronic pain, reflux, connective tissue disorders, postpartum changes, and instability in the neck, spine, or pelvis can all contribute to persistent laryngeal tension. These patterns impact voice, swallowing, and breathing.

That’s why collaboration between SLPs and PTs is so powerful.
• SLPs support vocal function, breath support, and swallow efficiency
• PTs address postural, myofascial, and neuromuscular imbalances

Together, we treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Image: Graphic showing how SLPs and PTs work together to support voice, swallowing, and breathing through a whole-body approach.

08/08/2025

SLPs and the Esophagus: Evolving Roles Within Scope

While direct management of esophageal disorders remains within the scope of medical specialists such as GI and ENT, the esophagus is no longer entirely outside the SLP’s view.

Understanding the esophagus, especially as part of the full swallow system, is becoming essential to comprehensive dysphagia care. SLPs are increasingly involved in recognizing red flags for esophageal dysfunction, collaborating on appropriate referrals, and interpreting esophageal imaging in partnership with physicians.

As access to specialists seems to become more challenging, SLPs are stepping into stronger advocacy and interdisciplinary roles. This includes contributing insight on esophageal stasis, UES dysfunction, and motility issues, all within our scope in dysphagia management, such as during videofluoroscopy, scope, or when integrating findings from manometry into our therapy recommendations.

We are not GI providers, but we ARE vital connectors, bridging oropharyngeal and esophageal perspectives to support the whole person.

⸻

Graphic with the heading “SLPs & the Esophagus: Not Out of Scope—Essential.” Illustrates phases of swallowing and how SLPs contribute to esophageal care. Minimalist style with icons and checklists.

08/01/2025

Rebuilding Confidence with Food After Swallowing Difficulties

Returning to a “regular” diet, especially hard solids/food, can be intimidating for people recovering from or living with dysphagia.

It’s not just about the mechanics of chewing and swallowing. For some, it’s also about fear, trust in the body, and confidence with each bite.

As SLPs, we support more than the mechanics of swallowing; we support confidence and comfort. We guide clients step-by-step through therapeutic trials, introduce texture progression with purpose, and help rebuild targets like neuromuscular coordination and self-trust needed to enjoy meals again.

It’s not “just a cookie.” It’s a milestone in independence, dignity, and quality of life.

[Visual showing key words like “confidence,” “joy,” and “neuromuscular coordination.” Features a warm, hopeful tone about recovering eating ability. Includes a cookie to represent a meaningful milestone.]

07/23/2025

New Blog Post
Why are memory problems after a concussion not just about memory?

If you’ve felt foggy after a concussion, forgetting names, missing appointments, or losing your train of thought; it might not be a memory issue alone.

The real issue often involves attention and executive function, which play a major role in how memory actually works.

In this new post, we break down:
• Why attention is like a filter for your brain
• How executive function helps you plan, organize, and remember
• What happens when cognitive load overwhelms your system
• How speech therapy can help you retrain and rebuild

Understanding what’s really going on is the first step toward meaningful recovery. This isn’t laziness or lack of motivation. Your brain needs support, and you deserve it.

Read the full blog at IowaSpeechSolutions.com

[Image shows a clean, minimalist graphic with the title: “Why Memory Problems After a Concussion Aren’t Just About Memory.” It introduces a new blog post exploring hidden factors behind post-concussion memory issues.]

07/21/2025

Progress Isn’t Linear: Understanding Language Recovery and Neuroplasticity

Recovery from a stroke, brain injury, or other neurological event isn’t a straight path, and
that’s the truth for most people.

There may be days when speech or memory feel stronger, and others when
communication feels harder. But these ups and downs don’t mean progress has stopped.

Here’s why:
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, continues throughout recovery,
especially when we engage in meaningful, repetitive, and person-centered activities.

In speech-language therapy, we work to:
• Activate multiple brain networks involved in communication
• Reinforce successful strategies
• Adjust goals based on your evolving needs
• Build resilience alongside language skills

Setbacks do not erase progress. Rest, adjustment, and continued engagement are all
part of recovery. Keep showing up, you’re building new pathways every step of the way.

References
Kleim, J. A., & Jones, T. A. (2008). Principles of experience-dependent neural plasticity:
Implications for rehabilitation after brain damage. Journal of Speech, Language, and
Hearing Research.
Brady, M. C., et al. (2016). Speech and language therapy for aphasia following stroke.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

[Simple graphic with motivational text: “Setbacks do not erase progress. Rest, adjustment, and continued engagement are all part of recovery. Keep showing up—you’re building new pathways every step.”]

07/16/2025

Supporting Communication in Dementia

Dementia can affect communication diﬀerently for each individual as it progresses, and speech-language
pathologists adapt care accordingly.

Understanding the needs in each stage helps caregivers and families stay connected and
reduce frustration.

Early Stages of Dementia:
Goals: Maintain independence, preserve communication skills, and build awareness of
strategies.

SLPs may support with:
• Word-finding and conversation strategies
• Memory aids (e.g., calendars, lists, apps)
• Education on preserving routines and autonomy
• Communication partner training

Late Stages of Dementia:
Goals: Preserve quality of life, ensure comfort, and promote connection through
nonverbal or supported methods.

SLPs may support with:
• Simplified language and visual supports
• Validation and redirection techniques
• Swallowing support and mealtime strategies
• Caregiver coaching on interpreting behavior as communication

Whether early or late in the disease, connection is always possible, and
communication support is essential.

[Minimalist graphic describes early and late stages of dementia, outlining speech-language pathologist goals like communication strategies, memory aids, caregiver coaching, and nonverbal support.]

References
Small, J. A., & Perry, J. (2012). Training conversation partners of people with Alzheimer’s
disease: A communication intervention for caregivers. International Journal of Geriatric
Psychiatry.
Brush, J. A., et al. (2017). Person-centered care for people with dementia: A review of
eﬀective communication strategies. Journal of Gerontological Nursing.

07/14/2025

3 Everyday Activities to Support Cognitive-Linguistic Recovery

Cognitive-linguistic therapy doesn’t only happen in the clinic. In fact, some of the most
powerful gains happen when clients apply strategies in everyday routines.

Here are three functional activities we often recommend (based on the individual, of course) to reinforce therapy goals at
home:

1. Plan a Meal or Grocery List
Engages: memory, sequencing, attention, and word retrieval.
Use apps or written tools to organize items by category, create a budget, or recall
ingredients.

2. Journal or Voice Record Daily Events
Engages: expressive language, organization of thought, and memory.
This can be spoken or written and is especially helpful when paired with photos or
routines.

3. Read and Summarize a News Article
Engages: attention, comprehension, reasoning, and verbal expression.Discussing the article with a friend or writing a short summary builds retention and social
connection.

Functional tasks like these help bridge the gap between therapy and real life, boosting
recovery and confidence through consistent practice.

References
Sohlberg, M. M., & Mateer, C. A. (2001). Cognitive Rehabilitation: An Integrative
Neuropsychological Approach.
Togher, L., et al. (2014). Training communication partners of people with TBI: A
randomized controlled trial. Aphasiology.

[Graphic lists 3 activities to support therapy goals at home: plan a meal or grocery list, journal or voice record daily events, and read and summarize a news article.]

Address

6165 NW 86th Street Suite 238
Johnston, IA
50131

Telephone

+15152197254

Website

http://www.iowaspeechsolutions.com/

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