LSVT BIG

LSVT BIG® is a highly specialized physical therapy exercise program designed specifically to help people with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. 

Parkinson’s Disease typically leads to altered, smaller movement patterns for those it affects. For example, gait, our movement patterns when we walk, typically becomes slower and shorter, like a shuffle, as Parkinson’s Disease progresses. This can lead to safety concerns, including an increased risk of falls. In addition to gait challenges, Parkinson’s patients’ other movement patterns and gestures typically become smaller and slower. 

How Does LSVT BIG® Work?

Our LSVT BIG® Certified physical therapists work one-on-one with every Parkinson’s patient in a safe and supportive environment. Physical therapy sessions with an LSVT BIG® Certified Clinician focus on emphasizing and producing larger, whole-body functional movements while also retraining the patient’s sensory awareness of the effort required for normal movement. Working on these big movement patterns while also reinforcing the “100% effort” needed to move safely helps Parkinson’s patients identify and correct their movements if they begin to get smaller or slower in the future. 

For LSVT BIG® Physical Therapy to be most effective, Parkinson’s patients will complete 16 sessions over 4 consecutive weeks. Each session is one-on-one and lasts for one hour. Patients will also receive home exercises daily. These exercises typically take 15-20 minutes and are a vital part of this program. Some patients may benefit from additional visits in the future to monitor progress.  

The Goals for LSVT BIG® Patients:

• Improve gait – faster walking with longer strides
• Reduce risk of falls
• Improve balance
• Improve self-confidence
• Improve performance with Activities of Daily Living
• Improve self-recognition of movement pattern changes
• Increase overall function with a personalized exercise program
• Symptom management if medications are modified

Our LSVT BIG® Certified Clinicians have helped numerous patients continue to enjoy the activities they love while living with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. We will help you understand ALL the activities you can STILL DO safely and independently – your goals are our goals!

To learn more about how an LSVT BIG® Certified Clinician can help patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions, or to schedule an appointment, simply Contact Us or give us a call at 615-905-6501.