LSVT BIG

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Services is now offering the LSVT BIG program. LSVT BIG is an intensive, amplitude-focused physical and occupational therapy approach for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, in all stages. The LSVT programs have been developed and scientifically researched over the past 25 years with funding from the National Institutes of Health. LSVT BIG can only be delivered by physical therapists (PT) and or occupational therapists (OT) that are certified. Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital now has 1 PT, 1 OT and 1 PTA of whom are certified. LSVT has research showing improved motor functioning in people with Parkinson’s Disease following treatment including:

• Faster walking with bigger steps
• Improved balance
• Increased trunk rotation
• Improvements in ADL’s
• Improved standardized measurement motor scores

What is LSVT?

LSVT BIG is a an intensive, amplitude focused physical and occupational therapy approach developed from principles of the effective Parkinson’s specific speech treatment LSVT LOUD®. • The LSVT Programs have been developed and scientifically researched over the past 25 years with funding from the National Institutes of Health.

• Research on LSVT BIG has documented improved ratings on tests of motor functioning in people with Parkinson disease following treatment including: – Faster walking with bigger steps – Improved balance – Increased trunk rotation – Improvements in activities of daily living such as bed mobility

LSVT BIG is a standardized treatment protocol, which is customized to the unique goals of each patient including both gross and fine motor skills. LSVT BIG can be adapted or progressed in order to meet each patient’s needs across a range of disease severity and presenting impairments.

How our LSVT Program Works

Here at Schoolcraft Memorial Rehabilitation Center, we believe that for a program to be effective, it must be focused, personalized, and engaging.

The program is facilitated by our Physical and Occupational therapy staff who are trained in LSVT and will be working with patients in an intensive, client-focused, one-on-one setup.

The First Consultation 

The first consultation lasts approximately 1 hourand is held in our Rehabilitation Department at the old hospital on Lake Street in Manistique, Michigan. In this intensive session, the LSVT-certified therapist will assess the patient personally and find out what they already know about the LSVT Program and their diagnosis. From here, the therapist will perform testing to ensure LSVT is an appropriate mode of treatment for the patient. If deemed appropriate, the patient will be guided in setting goals and instructed on how to meet those goals. The patient will be given their schedule for the treatment along with other helpful lifestyle changes.

Follow-Up Visits 

LSVT BIG treatment consists of:

1. 16 sessions: 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks (2 PT and 2 OT)
2. Individual 1-hour sessions
3. Daily homework practice
4. Daily carryover exercises

Regular LSVT “Tune‐ups” every 3‐12 months as needed

Who Can Benefit from this Treatment?

People with Parkinson’s Disease or other neurological disease resulting in slowness and reduced size of movements.

What is the Treatment Plan?

LSVT BIG is a physical/occupational therapy delivered by LSVT BIG Certified Physical Therapists or Occupational Therapists.

Who Conducts Treatment?

It is essential that LSVT BIG treatment is only delivered by physical or occupational therapists who are certified in this method. Over 22,000 therapists from 43 countries have been certified in LSVT BIG. A physical therapy or occupational therapy assistant who is trained in LSVT BIG may also conduct treatment under the supervision of a physical or occupational therapist.

What Can LSVT BIG therapists Do for Me?

Help you to restore and  optimize your function

• Teach you what to do after treatment
• Advise you on the best  community based exercise  options
• Teach you how to use your  bigger movements in your  exercise routines and  recreational activities at  home and in the community
• Make a lifelong partnership  plan to keep moving well!“

Results from Treatment

• Faster walking with bigger steps
• Improved balance
• Increased trunk rotation
• Improvements in activities of daily living such as bed mobility.

How do the LSVT BIG Daily Exercises Help You?

Starting and stopping movement when you want.

• Direction changes ‐making turns
• Endurance or Stamina
• Balance
• Strength
• Range of Motion
• Posture

How to Get started with LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD

Ask your doctor for a referral and a prescription for physical/occupational therapy evaluation and treatment.

Who Do I Contact About LSVT?

Schoolcraft Rehabilitation & Aquatic Therapy Center

Office Number: 906-341-3254

Central Scheduling: 906-341-1873

Fax: 906-341-5254

7870W US Highway 2, Manistique MI 49854

Monday – Friday 7:00am – 5:00pm