What is LSVT BIG and How Can it Help?
Are you or someone you love living with a neurological disorder? If so, LSVT Big® treatment can help.
LSVT Big® is a standardized treatment protocol used for the improvement of both gross and fine motor skills for people with neurological disorders, typically Parkinson’s Disease. This form of treatment is customized to the specific needs and goals of each patient, and it can be adapted or progressed in order to meet such needs. It can be used to treat a vast variety of diseases, impairments, and conditions, which may fluctuate in severity from patient to patient.
For more information regarding LSVT Big® treatments and how they may benefit you or your family member, contact Richmond Physical Therapy in Staten Island on Hylan, Forest Ave or Richmond Ave or Matawan, NJ today!
What exactly is LSVT Big®?
LSVT Big® is a form of treatment that may be unknown to most. LSVT stands for “Lee Silverman Voice Treatment.” There are two branches that come off of it – “Big” and “Loud.” These treatments are expanded from existing software used to help with speech.
While this is a treatment that is primarily done with Parkinson’s patients, it can be used to treat numerous other conditions, as well. It is based on the principle of neuroplasticity, which refers to the ability of the nervous system to change in response to signals – essentially, the brain’s capability of learning and changing.
In fact, scientific research done on the results of LSVT Big® has reported significant progress in several categories for people struggling with Parkinson’s Disease, including:
- Improved balance
- Increased trunk rotation
- Faster walking, with bigger steps
- Improvements in activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and writing
What will these treatments look like?
LSVT Big® uses a large amplitude training (also known as Be BIG!) in order to elicit improved and healthy movement as a new normal for patients.
These treatments are typically administered in 16 individual sessions over the course of one month, which equals out to four 60-minute sessions per week. This intensive mode of administration is consistent with theories of motor learning and skill acquisition, as well as the principle of neuroplasticity. Because of this, intensive treatments are critical in reaching the most optimal results possible.
LSVT Big® treatments don’t only stimulate the motor system – they also incorporate sensory awareness training, in order to help patients with impairments such as Parkinson’s Disease recognize when their movements are too small. This helps in convincing them their bigger movements are within normal limits, and it also makes them comfortable with their new bigger, faster, and safer movements when walking, dressing, or eating.
Am I or my loved one eligible for LSVT Big® treatments?
Eligibility for LSVT Big® treatments will be determined by one of our certified physical therapists. You or your family member in need will undergo a physical evaluation to test movements and examine both gross and fine motor skills. They will likely be asked to participate in several diagnostic tests, such as movement investigation or gait analysis. Once a diagnosis has been determined, our physical therapist will begin designing an individualized treatment plan.
It is likely that anyone with motor skill impairments will be eligible for LSVT Big® treatments unless a physical therapist recommends otherwise. Sometimes, issues can be treated with other methods of physical therapy. Either way, our physical therapists will make sure your parent is receiving the best quality care for their condition.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a condition that is impairing their motor skills and you’d like to learn more about the LSVT Big® treatments we offer, contact Richmond Physical Therapy in Staten Island on Hylan, Forest Ave or Richmond Ave or Matawan, NJ today. We’ll make sure you or your loved one gets the treatment and care they need! Make an appointment today!