Therapy Solutions for Parkinson’s Disease and Other Neurological Disorders
LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatments) Global is a program that provides innovative and clinically-proven methods for improving communication and movement in individuals with Parkinson’s disease and possibly other neurological conditions.
Lakeland’s certified clinicians treat patients using this program in three convenient locations in southwest Michigan—Coloma, Niles, and St. Joseph.
To view a video demonstration of LSVT, visit www.lsvtglobal.com
LSVT LOUD® Raise Your Voice
Speech Therapy
Developed in 1987, this research-based speech
therapy approach has been used to treat
more than 30,000 patients with motor speech
disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease.
Focused on a single goal – speak LOUD! – the
treatment improves clarity and volume of
speech for improved communication. The
treatment does not train people for shouting or
yelling; rather, LSVT LOUD uses loudness training to bring the voice to an improved, healthy vocal
loudness with no strain.
At Lakeland, speech therapists work with
patients in 16 sessions over a four week period
(four individual 60-minute sessions per week)
to improve:
- Articulation
- Intonation
- Vocal loudness
- Voice quality
Recent research studies have also documented the effectiveness of this therapy in improving disordered articulation, diminished facial expression, and impaired swallowing. Additionally, two brain imaging studies have documented evidence of positive changes in the brain following administration of the therapy.
LSVT BIG® Big Movements, Big Results
Physical and Occupational Therapy
LSVT LOUD principles were used to create LSVT
BIG, a program specifically designed to increase
the size and quality of body movements in
individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The protocol
is both intensive and complex, with many
repetitions of core movements that are used
in daily living. This type of practice is necessary
to optimize learning and carryover of better
movement into everyday life.
At Lakeland, physical and occupational
therapists guide patients through specific
exercises in 16 sessions over a four week period
(four individual 60-minute sessions per week).
Lakeland occupational and physical therapists
lead patients through repetitive, whole-body,
large-motion exercises that “retrain” the brain to
make bigger movements for improved:
- Balance
- Step length
- Flexibility
- Coordination
- Body awareness
With improved movement and more
confidence, you’ll notice more ease when…
- Walking
- Getting up out of a chair
- Getting into and out of a car
- Getting in and out of bed
- Performing activities, such as dressing,
eating, and handwriting
Take the First Steps
While both LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG can help improve function at any stage of Parkinson disease and other conditions, the treatment is most effective when started early. Don’t wait to improve your quality of life.
To learn more about this program, contact your nearest LSVT site. A physician’s referral is required to begin therapy.
Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, Niles
Niles-Buchanan YMCA
905 N. Front Street
(269) 683-6800
Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, Health Park, St. Joseph
3774 Hollywood Road
(269) 428-2799
Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, Coloma
7040 Red Arrow Highway
(269) 468-4318