Parkinson’s Disease and LSVT Big® Treatment
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic neurologic condition named after Dr. James Parkinson. PD is a slow progressive disease, which causes a gradual loss of the nerve cells in the brain that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. Because dopamine carries signals to the part of the brain that control movement and coordination, decreased dopamine levels lead to symptoms including:
Resting tremor
Generalized slowness
Stiffness of the limbs
Freezing of movement
Additional signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may include small handwriting, decreased facial expression, quiet speech, and difficulty swallowing. As the disease progresses, posture may fail with a slow, shuffling walking pattern, which may result in falls.
While Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition, it can be effectively managed with physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and surgery in some cases.
LSVT BIG® is one such specialized rehabilitation program for Parkinson’s Disease which targets bigger amplitude movement to improve quality of walking. The letters LSVT stand for Lee Silverman Voice Training. Mrs. Silverman was a PD patient treated by speech therapists to increase the loudness of her speech so her family and friends could hear and understand her again. Physical therapists followed a similar methodology to increase the amplitude of movement to restore more normal walking. LSVT BIG® treatment is customized to each person's specific needs and goals, it can help regardless of the stage or severity of your condition. Beginning an LSVT BIG® program before you've noticed significant problems with balance, mobility or posture will often lead to the best results, but it's never too late to start.
We Have Certified LSVT BIG® Treatment Physical Therapists
FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers offers one of the few locations in the Pittsburgh area with certified LSVT BIG® physical therapists. LSVT BIG® exemplifies our motto of “Exercise as Medicine.” The program consists of 16 high-effort and high-energy sessions over 30 days, with (4) one hour-long sessions performed every week. It requires practice, repetition, and feedback of big movements that can be carried over into activities of daily life including dressing, getting out of bed, walking, preparing meals, and community outings. The targeted, corrective exercises and whole-body movements will change how patients control and manage their functional movements.
After the program is completed, patients will continue to exercise daily at home and return to FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers within nine months to ensure continued progress. LSVT BIG® improves confidence with mobility and reduces fall risk when properly administered.
Contact FYZICAL today to learn more about our certified LSVT BIG® program for people who are managing Parkinson’s Disease. Call (724) 941-7070 to schedule your appointment today at any of our locations or visit www.fyzical.com.