The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) helps people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or other neurological conditions improve how they move and speak.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects movement. Over time, the condition leads to shakiness and problems with walking and balance, as well as speech and swallowing issues. Research has shown that LSVT programs improve function by emphasizing the brain’s neuroplasticity, which is the ability to strengthen the brain’s neural pathways.
LSVT BIG®
What is LSVT BIG®?
If you have Parkinson’s disease (PD), LSVT BIG training can help you recalibrate and recognize when your movements are smaller or slower than you realize so you can improve the quality of your physical movements.
LSVT BIG focuses on endurance, activities of daily living, and balance to improve function. The program has been proven to help you recalibrate your brain from smaller movements brought on by PD to bigger, more typical ones by emphasizing big movements and big stretches.
Goals include:
- Improved posture
- Better flexibility
- Better movements
- Improved walking
- Improved balance
- Increased trunk rotation
- Improved self-care and other tasks designed around your needs and goals (writing, dressing, getting out of bed or up from a low chair, and job-related or recreational tasks)
What Does the Program Involve?
- An evaluation by a Doylestown Health LSVT BIG® certified physical and/or occupational therapist
- Intensive 4-week program
- 16 (1) hour one on one sessions with LSVT trained therapist
- 4 x per week
- 4 consecutive weeks
- Participation in home exercise program 2 times per day and daily carryover exercises
Treatment includes repetition and progressive challenges to improve consistency of movement
What Can You Do After the LSVT BIG® Program?
- Continue your daily exercises to help maintain your gains
- Look at community fitness options-we can provide a list
- Schedule “tune-ups” every 3-12 months as recommended by your clinician
For more information, contact the Clark Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 215.345.2894.
LSVT LOUD®
What is LSVT LOUD®?
LSVT LOUD is a research-based treatment for speech and voice disorders in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurological disorders. You complete the treatment one-on-one with an LSVT LOUD® certified speech-language pathologist based on your individual communication goals. The program trains you to use your voice at a more normal loudness level and to recalibrate your perception of your voice so you feel comfortable using a stronger voice when communicating at home, at work, or in the community. The program has demonstrated both short and long-term improvements in communication function.
Benefits include:
- Increased vocal loudness
- Improved articulation
- Improved speech intelligibility
- Improved intonation
- Improved facial expression
- Improved perception of vocal quality
- Changes in neural functioning related to voice and speech
What Does the Program Involve?
An evaluation by a Doylestown Health LSVT LOUD® certified speech-language pathologist
You will need a clearance from an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician (ENT) prior to starting the program, which requires high breathing and vocal effort to improve communication function. Your ENT clearance may be completed prior to or after speech therapy evaluation.
- Intensive 4-week program
- 16 (1) hour one on one sessions with LSVT LOUD® certified speech-language pathologist
- 4 x per week
- 4 consecutive weeks
- Participation in home exercise program 2 times per day with daily carryover exercises
- Treatment includes repetition and progressive challenges to improve communication function
What Can You Do After the LSVT LOUD® Program?
- Continue your daily exercises to help maintain your gains
- Utilize your new communication strategies in everyday interactions
- Schedule “tune-ups” every 3-12 months as recommended by your clinician
For more information, contact the Clark Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 215.345.2894.