LSVT Therapy Restores Speech and Movement in Parkinson's Patients

Understanding Parkinson's Disease and its Effects

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. As neurons in the brain gradually break down, people with Parkinson's disease experience tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and impaired balance and coordination. These motor symptoms often lead to difficulties with daily activities like walking, talking, and writing.

Speech and Swallowing Difficulties

Many people with Parkinson's disease also develop speech and swallowing problems. Their voices may become very soft, raspy, or monotonous. Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Swallowing difficulties can also occur, increasing the risk of choking or inhaling food into the lungs.

These speech and swallowing issues have a significant impact on quality of life. It becomes very difficult to communicate with loved ones, participate in social events, eat foods you enjoy, and more.

Loss of Fluid Body Movements

In addition to vocal impairments, Parkinson's disease causes a person's movements to become very small and jerky instead of fluid. Arm swinging decreases while walking. Handwriting shrinks dramatically. Facial expressions become much less animated.

This loss of fluid, full-sized movements makes it very difficult to complete self-care tasks, work duties, and household chores. Something as simple as buttoning a shirt can become an impossible challenge.

LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD Therapy

LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD are exercise-based programs designed specifically to improve the speech and movement problems associated with Parkinson's disease. Using the fundamentals of neuroplasticity, these treatments help "retrain" the voice and body for bigger, louder, fluid movements.

The Theory Behind the Therapy

The key premise behind LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD is that bigger movements and louder voices retrain the brain and neural pathways. By consciously focusing on size and volume during exercises, over time movement and speech become more automatic, natural, and fluid again.

Two Intensive Treatment Protocols

Both LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD utilize an intensive treatment schedule to promote faster, more lasting results. Each program consists of 16 individual treatment sessions over one month. Sessions last 60-minutes and are conducted by certified therapists.

For LSVT BIG, treatment focuses on full-body movements - stretching, bending, turning, walking, throwing balls, making large arm/hand gestures, and more. LSVT LOUD employs a variety of speech exercises focused on improving vocal loudness, pitch, inflection, and quality.

Clinically Proven Results

Rigorous research has verified that LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD significantly improve both speech and movement in a high percentage of Parkinson's patients who undergo treatment. Follow-up studies show long term maintenance of improvements too.

Benefits of LSVT Therapy for Parkinsons Patients

When performed correctly, LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD offer life-changing results. People with Parkinson's disease experience a variety of physical, emotional, and social benefits when these therapies restore their communication skills and body movements.

Increased Quality of Life

For many people with Parkinson's disease, LSVT therapy leads to dramatic positive impacts on overall quality of life. Fluid movement and clear understandable speech facilitate independence, confidence, self-image, and social interaction.

Restored Ability to Live Independently

Bigger movements and louder voices make it possible for people to continue living in their own homes independently. Critical daily living activities like feeding, bathing, dressing, and housework become feasible again with improved mobility and communication.

Renewed Interaction with Family and Friends

As speech volume and clarity increases, patients can once again actively engage with their loved ones. Conversation flows smoother. Jokes and stories can be told. Family connections strengthen.

Similarly, fuller fluid movements make it easier to play with grandchildren, dance with a spouse, throw a ball with kids, and other activities that nurture relationships.

Increased Social Confidence

Loud, clear voices and open bodily movements project confidence. After LSVT treatment, patients find social settings less intimidating and taxing. Its easier to shop, attend events, meet strangers, and be out in public.

Improved Physical and Emotional Health

LSVT BIG movements require a lot of physical exertion as patients work on flexibility, strength training, cardio, coordination, and balance. Thus the program improves stamina, circulation, muscle tone, and motor control.

Likewise, difficult emotions like depression, anger, and anxiety tend to fade away as people regain their independence, social bonds, and control over their bodies and speech.

Final Thoughts

Years of research proves that LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD therapy produce real improvements in speech, movement, and quality of life for a majority of Parkinson's disease patients. The intensive treatment protocol retrains both the voice and body for fuller, louder, bigger movements.

If you or someone you love suffers from Parkinson's disease, consider LSVT therapy as a way to renew connections, abilities, confidence, and comfort - without medications or invasive treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.