Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that typically causes uncontrollable movements, tremors, limb stiffness, balance problems, and even difficulty with walking and talking. Parkinson's also can cause depression, constipation, loss of smell and cognitive impairment. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. Symptoms also can vary widely from person to person.

It's possible to have a good quality of life with Parkinson's disease. Many symptoms are treatable. Treatment ranges from medication, physical, occupational and speech therapy to surgery and lifestyle modifications.

Therapy is an essential part of treatment through all stages of Parkinson's disease. Our therapists can help you keep moving to your fullest potential with gait and balance training while incorporating ADL’s, and resistance training to improve or slow progression of symptoms and maintain your daily living activities. We will help you set goals and find ways to match your strengths to meet those goals as you live with Parkinson's disease.

LSVT/Big & Loud Program

Another way we help people living with Parkinson’s disease regain their functional mobility and vocal strength is through the research-based programs LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG®. Only therapists who are certified in LVST LOUD or LSVT BIG can provide this specialized treatment.

LSVT LOUD

Voice volume and clarity is often affected by Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson’s may feel they are speaking normally, even when they are speaking at a soft volume. LSVT LOUD is a proven-effective speech treatment for people facing communication difficulties due to Parkinson's disease or other neurologically related voice and speech disorders. LVST LOUD is considered the gold standard in speech treatment for people with Parkinson's.

Research shows the program can:

• Increase voice volume to normal levels
• Improve articulation, variation in pitch and facial expression
• Improve your brain function related to voice and speech

Our rehabilitation team customizes treatment exercises to your interests and goals to improve your communication through a more intensive, one-on-one approach. You'll also be provided exercises to continue at home to maintain your progress.

LSVT BIG

People with Parkinson's disease often move more slowly and face challenges with their daily living activities. LSVT BIG is an intensive exercise program to improve your movement size and speed and your balance. Backed by research evidence, LSVT BIG can help with everything from buttoning your shirt to getting up from a chair, as well as with walking and self-care. This outpatient program can help regardless of the stage or severity of your condition.

Recalibration

Sometimes with Parkinson's, you're can't tell if you're talking too softly or moving slowly.  The LSVT BIG and LOUD programs address this issue through continuous feedback so you learn to recognize the effort needed to consistently speak in a normal volume and move at a more optimal pace.

How the Programs Work

Both programs are provided in 16 one-hour sessions over a month by LSVT-certified occupational therapists and speech language pathologists.

Your customized treatment is designed to "rewire" the brain through intensive, progressive exercises. You'll also be assigned additional exercises to complete at home to further advance your progress.

Contact Us

To learn more about therapy and the LSVT programs for Parkinson's disease, call 816.691.1795.