Making BIG moves with Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that can affect movement. These symptoms can vary from each patient and can consist of mild tremors, stiffness when walking, shuffling gait, rigid movements, freezing when walking, slurred speech, minimal arm movement, or little to no facial expression. Parkinson’s affects more than 50,000 people each year.

How can Parkinson’s be treated? If you or a family member is concerned about symptoms such as these, see you doctor to discuss treatment options. LifeCare Rehabilitation Services provides a program called LSVT BIG which consists of an individualized treatment plan for each patient.

What is LSVT BIG? The LSVT BIG Protocol is an evidence-based treatment shown to improve gait speed, step length, transfers, balance and function with activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This program is offered in a one-to-one treatment setting. This treatment can only be provided by a certified Physical or Occupational Therapist. During LSVT BIG therapy sessions the therapist will focus on improving bigness of each movement to help reduce the Parkinson’s disease through high effort, intensive treatment.

How often would patient’s complete LSVT BIG? Patients would attend therapy four times per week for a minimum of four weeks. Typical treatment is one-hour sessions customized to fit each patient’s needs and goals.

What do the LSVT BIG treatments consist of? Treatment consists of repetitive movements and challenges as well as home assignments that promote bigger movements in everyday life. These treatments help improve the patient’s ability to perform bigger movement and smaller movement daily tasks. LSVT BIG focuses on improving the patient’s ability to participate in functional daily tasks with increased safety and reduced risk of falls.

Outcomes from LSVT BIG? This therapy has been researched for over 25 years providing positive outcomes for patients who have completed the program. The goal is for patients to improve activities of daily living, working toward gaining back independence.

Where are these services provided? LifeCare Rehabilitation Services offers the LSVT BIG program at all locations; Roseau, Warroad and Greenbush. If you have additional questions please contact a therapist:

Roseau: 218-463-4787
Greenbush: 218-782-4003
Warroad: 218-386-3155

Improve your quality of life and let LifeCare Rehabilitation Services help you regain independence and function in your daily activities.