EXC PHYS
How The LSVT-BIG Program He A Courtesy Publication fo
Parkinson’s disease is a “progressive disease of the nervous systems marked by tremor, muscle rigidity and slow, imprecise movement. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.” It commonly affects 4-6 million people worldwide and is most prevalent in Caucasian and Hispanic men over the age of 60, with a prevalence of twice as many men affected
Katie Kelly, PT, DPT
compared to women. It is diagnosed by motor symptoms including bradykinesia (slow movement), rigidity, tremor, as well as a positive response to dopamine replacement therapy. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment- BIG (LSVT-BIG) is one part of a dual-treatment program for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At Excel Physical Therapy, LSVT-BIG is taught by a certified physical therapist. LSVT-BIG is defined as an “intensive amplitude- based exercise program for the limb motor system and re-education of the sensorimotor system.” In other words, as the name implies, the exercises are comprised of big, exaggerated movements. A common presentation of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s is bradykinesia or small amplitude movements. This can include decreased arm swing or short step length (shuffling) while walking. The LSVT-BIG program begins by addressing the person’s maximum amplitude of movement, meaning “the largest range of motion with the highest effort and the best biomechanics” that the patient is capable of. Then, specific exercises are given to increase their amplitude of
2020 was full of learning experiences with all new processes, protocols and standards. As the world shifted to remote settings, so did life for our physical therapists, who like you, are balancing homeschooling and quarantine restrictions while working. In addition, our team learned how to perform their hands-on skills virtually. What The Vaccine Mea A Message from Our
This is counterintuitive to the distinctiveness of physical therapy, but our team knew treatment could not come to a halt. Our therapists learned to deliver top-notch, quality care remotely for our patients. While this service has proven its worth during the pandemic, we are eager to return to a normal clinic environment safely.
As we continue to remain vigilant in our screenings, cleaning and social distancing protocols, many of our team members have also chosen to be vaccinated as an
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