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LSVT BIG and LOUD

Male physical therapist helps patient complete LSVT Big and Loud therapy at Covenant Health Therapy Centers.

Progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson Disease (PD) impair speech, swallowing, limb function, walking, balance, and activities of daily living. Even with medical management (medication, surgery, etc.) these deficits may not be controlled satisfactorily in many individuals with PD, and have a negative effect on quality of life.

Common Problems Include:

The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT™) programs for individuals with Parkinson disease have been developed and researched over the past 20 years, beginning with a focus on speech (LSVT LOUD) and later on movement (LSVT BIG). Licensed therapists in physical, occupational and speech therapy must be certified to perform this method of treatment.

 

The unique aspects of the LSVT programs include the combination of:

  • Increasing amplitude – loudness in speech, bigger movements in the limbs
  • Helping patients recognize that movements with increased amplitude are normal, even if they feel “too loud” or “too big”
  • Training – self-cueing and a home exercise program for long-term maintenance of treatment outcomes

 

This standardized treatment program consists of:

  • 16 sessions (4 days per week for 4 weeks)
  • Individual one-hour sessions
  • Daily home exercises
Female physical therapist helps senior with Parkinson's Disease complete LSVT therapy.

Outcomes of LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD include:

PWR! (Parkinson Wellness Recovery) certified therapists develop comprehensive exercise programs to address multiple systems and personalized goals for all levels of the disease severity.

PWR! teaches four exercises that target rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movements and reflexes), incoordination, and automaticity.

PWR! techniques use high physical effort, cognitive engagement, attention focus, and emotional engagement. The goal of PWR! is to delay and reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, decrease fall risks, and improve the quality of life and real-world function.

Research suggests that patients should not wait until they begin to experience disability or impaired function to start therapy.

Covenant Therapy Centers accept most insurance and managed care plans. For questions or information about the clinic nearest you call (865) 541-4500.

  • A hiker with a backpack stands on a rocky trail beside a cliff, looking out over a green, mountainous landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A safety rope runs along the cliff edge.
    “They treat you like family here. I get one-on-one time with the therapists where the focus is completely on my plan. It is very individualized, and I appreciate that.”

    Dawn Neibarger, Covenant Health Therapy Center Patient
  • Three women in medical scrubs stand smiling behind an older man sitting in a chair. They appear to be in a medical office, with a poster of hands and wrists anatomy visible on the wall.
    “The entire team was phenomenal. They pushed me, and even small exercises, like picking marbles out of Play-Doh, helped me do more than I ever expected.”

    David Brenner, Covenant Health Therapy Center Patient
  • Two women stand smiling in front of a blue therapy table in a medical or physical therapy clinic. One wears a striped sweater and a name badge; the other wears a burgundy top and jeans. Curtains and windows are in the background.
    “They listened. They explained everything, and they helped me get my life back. Their support made a difficult situation feel manageable.”

    Alyssa Roy, Covenant Health Therapy Center Patient
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