Parkinson’s

The Journey is Better Traveled Together

Parkinson’s disease can impact many aspects of life, but at On With Life, our Parkinson’s Disease program focuses on how individuals living with Parkinson’s disease can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. As a neurodegenerative disease, individuals living with Parkinson’s disease may experience walking difficulties, balance and coordination challenges, fatigue, tremors, difficulty with speech and fine motor skills, memory/cognitive challenges and depression. The goal of On With Life’s Parkinson’s Disease program is to provide a comprehensive outpatient program that addresses the specific needs of those impacted by Parkinson’s disease at all levels of progression. Our approach addresses mobility, balance, daily living skills, wellness, functional vision rehabilitation, aging with Parkinson’s, home wellness programs, caregiver education, assistance with return or continuation of work, cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation, support and education regarding Parkinson’s.

The Parkinson’s program is supported by a transdisciplinary team of clinicians that may include a physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist, neuropsychologist and care manager in addition to a primary care physician, neurologist and other medical specialists involved in their care. Together, we will incorporate your goals and passion into your rehabilitation.

LSVT BIG and LOUD

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®) is an effective treatment program for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. On With Life began offering the LSVT BIG program in October, 2013 and LSVT LOUD in early 2014.

What is LSVT BIG?

LSVT BIG is an intensive therapy exercise program for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The program focuses on strength, movement, balance, coordination and function with carry over to every day life activities. Each treatment focuses on the production of large amplitude (BIGGER) whole body movements. These treatments have been shown to provide the following benefits:

• Improved walking (bigger steps, faster speed, decreased fall risk and improved balance)
• Improved movement quality with bigger and more controlled movements to increase independence with dressing, self cares, cooking and mobility.
• Overall increase in quality of life

What is LSVT LOUD?

LSVT LOUD improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box (larynx) and speech mechanism through a systematic of exercises. Focused on a single goal “speak LOUD!” – the treatment does not train people for shouting or yelling; rather, LSVT LOUD uses loudness training to bring the voice to an improved, healthy vocal loudness with no strain. The treatment not only simulates the motor system but also incorporates sensory awareness training to help individuals with PD recognize that their voice is too soft, convincing them that the louder voice is within normal limits, and making them comfortable with their new louder voice.These treatments have been shown to provide the following benefits:

• Improved respiratory, laryngeal and articulatory function to maximize speech intelligibility.
• Improvement in the common problems of disordered articulation, diminished facial expression and impaired swallowing.

How is the program delivered?

On With Life’s LSVT BIG is directed by LSVT certified physical and occupational therapists. Both BIG and LOUD are intense exercise programs and require a commitment of 16, 60-minute sessions administered over four weeks. BIG and LOUD can be administered separately or if appropriate for the person served, can be administered within the same four weeks.

Visit the LSVT website for more information on LSVT BIG and LOUD.