Residents of Adams County who need specialized speech and swallowing therapy can now receive treatment closer to home thanks to new technology at WellSpan Health’s Adams Health Center in Gettysburg.
The center recently added the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, a device used in speech therapy to measure and strengthen tongue and lip muscles. The tool can benefit patients recovering from strokes, head and neck cancer, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
The investment was made possible through support from community leaders Dannie and Anna Holsinger, helping WellSpan expand services locally. Before the device was introduced, some patients had to travel outside Adams County for this type of therapy.
The instrument works by having patients press their tongue against the device toward the roof of the mouth. It then measures tongue pressure and strength using a lighted meter, giving therapists and patients immediate feedback on speech and swallowing ability.
Julie Knouse, a speech-language pathologist with WellSpan, said the device offers a more advanced way to build oral strength and improve outcomes for patients. She noted the visual feedback can also motivate patients to continue exercises after formal therapy sessions end.
Keeping the service in Gettysburg is especially important for many local residents, particularly older adults or those who rely on others for transportation. Having access to nearby treatment can reduce travel burdens and make it easier to maintain regular therapy appointments.
Among those benefiting is Gettysburg resident Peggy Johnson, who has battled throat cancer twice in the last two years. She began therapy in November 2025 and has reported major improvements in swallowing and eating. Johnson progressed from being unable to swallow water to drinking liquids again and recently was able to eat pizza without difficulty.
Patients using the device typically complete guided exercise repetitions during therapy sessions and continue assigned routines at home. Insurance also covers use of the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument during speech therapy visits, according to the report.
Source: WellSpan Health