Parkinson’s Program
Move BIG, Speak LOUD
Improve Function
Restore Movement
Be Heard
What is the Parkinson’s Program at Penn Ohio Rehabilitation?
Patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or other neurological disorders have options to help alleviate or slow some of the side effects related to speech and movement, and maintain a better quality of life through targeted therapy. Penn Ohio Rehabilitation use a hybrid of 2 research based programs for Parkinson’s Disease- LSVT Big and Loud Programs and the PWR! Moves Program
LSVT BIG and LOUD –
The research proven method for Parkinson’s rehabilitation called LSVT BIG & LOUD® was first developed in 1987 as LSVT LOUD®, named for Mrs. Lee Silverman (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LSVT) and was funded by the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institutes of Health. The principles were then applied to limb movement, thus the creation of LSVT BIG®.
PWR!Moves-
PWR! (Power Moves) was developed as an evolution of the LVST Big program by Dr. Farley. It is a skilled training program that was developed to maintain and restore skills that deteriorate or interfere with everyday functions.
What is the difference between the BIG and LOUD program?
One of the key indicators of Parkinson’s Disease is slowing of movements and stiffness. People diagnosed with Parkinson’s may also notice a slowing of speech and softness in their voice. The LSVT program is designed in 2 sections to address these symptoms, the Big section and the Loud section.
LSVT BIG is a physical therapy based program that focuses on improving the size and quality of movements which will aid in function, walking and balance. The BIG program incorporates core stabilization and large limb movements with proper exercise techniques and functional tasks.
LSVT LOUD is a speech therapy based program designed to improve the clarity and loudness of the voice. With the LSVT LOUD program long holds while gradually increasing the voice level.
Will the BIG and LOUD programs be done at the same time?
Both the LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD programs are intensive month long programs that traditionally consist of 4 days of therapy per week for 4 weeks with daily homework tasks. Because the programs are intense and can be exhausting for our patients, we recommend that you only complete one program at a time. We ask that you choose the area that you are having the most difficulty and start with that program. Once that program is completed you may transition into the other program the start of the next week.
Penn Ohio Rehabilitation is one of the few clinics in Mercer and Lawrence county to offer both the LSVT BIG and LOUD programs.
Will These Programs Cure Parkinson’s Disease ?
Exercise will not alter the progression of Parkinson’s but it is essential for maintaining your quality of life. Studies clearly show that people with Parkinson’s who exercise fare better in the long run than people with Parkinson’s who do not exercise. People with Parkinson’s need to exercise to prevent the negative effects of inactivity.
Schedule an appointment
Schedule an appointment or call us to speak with our physical therapists to see if you are a candidate for dry needling.