LSVT BIG® and How you Can Benefit From It

LSVT stands for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. It was at the Lee Silverman Center for Parkinson’s Disease in Scottsdale AZ in 1987 that the speech therapy LSVT LOUD® program was first invented. LSVT LOUD® has been extensively studied and has tons of research to support its effectiveness on patients with Parkinson’s Disease. It was from this proven continuous success that LSVT BIG® was created. LSVT BIG® is an intensive amplitude-based exercise program for the body. Research has documented improvements in balance, trunk rotation, activities of daily living, faster walking and bigger steps on individuals with Parkinson’s Disease that have completed the LSVT BIG® program. The LSVT BIG® protocol consists of 16 treatment sessions provided 4 consecutive days a week over a 4-week time frame. Each session must be delivered by a Certified LSVT BIG® occupational or physical therapist. All 16 treatments last 60 minutes.

Patients are also required to complete daily homework and exercises outside of the therapy sessions. The program is not easy to complete, it requires a lot of commitment and dedication. Certain aspects of the treatment sessions are customized specifically to each patient in order to address personal difficulties or concerns. Exercises can be performed standing, sitting or lying down so it is safe for all stages of the disease process. The certified LSVT BIG® therapist can also make modifications to accommodate for any preexisting conditions such as low back pain, shoulder pain or balance issues.

Dr. Samantha Peters PT, DPT, ATC of Rosi Physiotherapy was a member of a research group in Ohio that studied the retention of gains made by individuals that had completed LSVT BIG®. Her study determined that participants had continued improvements in mobility, lower body strength, balance and endurance for up to 27 months after completion of the LSVT BIG® program. Don’t hesitate to start this completely safe and research proven effective therapy treatment. To find a certified LSVT BIG clinician please refer to the LSVT BIG Program section of the Wellness Village or go to lsvtgolbal.com. Doctors Samantha Peters, PT, DPT, ATC and Branden Rosi, PT, DPT, CSCS are brand new members of the Wellness Village under the category of LSVT BIG. They are traveling physical therapists, meaning, they will come to your home if you are in the Coachella Valley.