Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system, which typically affects middle-aged and elderly adults.  Symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremors, and changes in speech and gait.  Currently there is no cure; however, treatments can help relieve symptoms.

The LSVT LOUD® treatment is an intense four week program, one hour per day, four days per week and is designed to improve vocal loudness and vocal quality.

The LSVT BIG® treatment consists of four weeks, one hour per day, four days per week, with patients experiencing an improvement in faster walking with bigger steps and better balance.

I recently attended events at HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital and Susquehanna Health Rehabilitation Services where they explained the programs.  Both of these rehabilitation facilities have therapists certified to offer these specialty therapies.

To learn more about these programs contact Stephanie Lowry, Rehabilitation Liaison, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital at 814-359-3421 or Joy Proctor, Physical Therapist, Susquehanna Health Rehabilitation Services, at 570-321-2605.

LSVT Global trains clinicians worldwide. To date, they have trained and certified over 9,200 speech-language clinicians in 54 countries in LSVT LOUD® and 1,600 physical and occupational therapists in 16 counties in LSVT BIG®. You can also locate a certified clinician by accessing LVST Global at https://www.lsvtglobal.com/.