The Unsung Heroes: Why Speech Therapists Are Essential in the Medical Space
Celebrating Speech Therapy Month by shining a light on a profession that does far more than most people realize.
When people think of speech therapy, they often picture a child learning how to pronounce their R’s or overcome a stutter. But here’s the truth: speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a critical role in healthcare—and their work goes way beyond words.
At OroGlow Myofunctional & Speech Services, we’re on a mission to change the narrative. During Speech Therapy Month, we want to spotlight just how powerful speech therapy can be—for both children and adults.
It's Not Just About Speech
Speech therapy touches everything from airway health to feeding, breathing, sleeping, posture, and even facial muscle development. In the medical space, SLPs support development in NICU babies, stroke patients, surgical recoveries, and so much more.
In our orofacial myofunctional therapy practice, we focus on:
Identifying tongue ties and oral restrictions
Supporting nasal breathing and airway development
Improving swallowing, chewing, and oral habits
Addressing sleep-disordered breathing and fatigue
Reducing chronic jaw pain and facial/body tension
This is root-cause therapy—addressing what’s really going on, not just patching symptoms.
Why It's Often Overlooked in Healthcare
SLPs are sometimes left out of the bigger healthcare conversation, especially when early signs don’t “seem” severe. Pediatricians may say, “They’ll grow out of it.” Adults may normalize years of mouth breathing or TMJ pain.
But here’s what we know from the therapy room & research:
Early intervention prevents long-term complications.
Orofacial therapy can improve focus, sleep, and behavior.
Breathing through the nose (not the mouth) changes everything—from oxygen intake to facial development.
It’s time to stop waiting for the problem to “get worse” and start addressing it now.
You Don’t Need a Referral to Get Help
Here’s the empowering part: You don’t need to wait on a referral or a diagnosis to get support. If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it’s worth exploring therapy:
For kids:
Constant congestion or drooling
Difficulty nursing, chewing, or swallowing
Delayed speech or unclear speech sounds
Snoring or mouth breathing during sleep
For adults:
Jaw tension, headaches, or neck pain
Fatigue despite getting “enough” sleep
Feeling stuck with unresolved airway or speech concerns
Eating and swallowing difficulties
These are not things you have to live with. And yes, there’s something we can do about them.
Small Shifts, Big Results
Speech therapy isn’t always dramatic—but it’s deeply transformational. It’s about helping families understand how the body is connected and how function drives development.
At OroGlow, we help you take the pressure off and move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’re in Abilene or the surrounding Texas area and curious about how speech or myofunctional therapy can support your family, reach out to book a free consultation. We’d love to meet you and explore your next best step—no pressure, just support.
Sources & Further Reading:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT)
International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals (IATP)
Gasp!: Airway Health - The Hidden Path to Wellness
About OroGlow
OroGlow Myofunctional & Speech Services is based in Abilene, Texas and offers root-cause therapy for families seeking long-term, functional solutions. We specialize in orofacial myofunctional therapy and speech therapy for both kids and adults—empowering our clients to breathe better, speak clearer, and live healthier. Book a free consultation today to see how we can help.