When a child is receiving speech therapy, they may also benefit from physical therapy to support their communication goals. While speech therapy focuses on developing language, articulation, and oral motor skills, physical therapy can address muscle strength, endurance, postural control, motor planning, and body awareness—all of which contribute to more effective speech production. By working together, speech and physical therapists help children develop the foundational skills they need for both movement and communication.
How Physical Therapy Supports Speech Development
Physical therapy plays a key role in strengthening the core, neck, and facial muscles, which are essential for speech production, breathing, and swallowing. Additionally, improving gross motor coordination can enhance a child’s ability to engage with peers, participate in conversations, and express themselves confidently.
Key Areas Where Physical Therapy Supports Speech Therapy
Muscle Strength and Endurance
Muscle strength is essential for sitting upright, maintaining posture, and sustaining energy during communication. Children need core stability and endurance to participate in activities such as running, jumping, and ball play, which encourage peer interaction and social engagement.
- Stronger postural control helps children maintain an upright position, allowing for better breath support for speech production.
- Improved core strength contributes to proper jaw and tongue movements, aiding in speech clarity and swallowing.
- Increased physical endurance helps children participate in longer speech therapy sessions and daily interactions with less fatigue.
- Movement-based activities, such as gross motor play, often coincide with improvements in speech production and overall communication skills.
Motor Planning and Speech Coordination
Motor planning is the ability to sequence and execute movements efficiently. Just as children learn to coordinate actions with their muscles, they must also sequence words and sounds to form speech.
- Enhancing motor planning skills allows children to coordinate movements with verbal expressions, improving fluency.
- Children who improve movement sequencing may also experience better word retrieval and structured speech patterns.
Body Awareness and Speech Production
Body awareness helps children understand where their body parts are in space, which includes their tongue, jaw, and lips.
- Improved awareness of body positioning helps children with articulation and oral motor control.
- Strengthening facial muscles and oral structures supports better pronunciation, speech clarity, and swallowing safety.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Physical Therapy
If your child experiences any of the following movement or postural challenges, they may benefit from a physical therapy evaluation:
- Frequent W-sitting
- Toe-walking gait pattern
- Difficulty navigating stairs safely
- Trouble catching, throwing, or kicking a ball
- Frequent falls or tripping
- Slouched posture when seated
- Low muscle tone (floppy movements)
- Increased fatigue during activities
- Limited interest in active movement
How Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy Work Together
When physical and speech therapists collaborate, children often make greater progress in both movement and communication skills. Physical therapy provides the strength, coordination, and stability needed for effective speech, while speech therapy refines oral-motor control and expressive language skills.
If your child is receiving speech therapy and you notice postural issues, weakness, or coordination difficulties, physical therapy could be an essential complementary service. Contact Chicago Kids Therapy today to schedule an evaluation and learn how a combined therapy approach can help your child communicate and move with confidence.
