Written by:
Kassandra Jones, PT, DPT
Kassandra can be reached at kass@apexptwellness.com.
Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease, it is a ‘BIG’ deal
Physical therapy can help those with Parkinson’s disease live a better life.
LSVT BIG is an evidence-based, intensive, effective, one-on-one treatment created to help people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurological conditions. It addresses walking, balance and other activities of daily living (for example, writing, dressing and getting up from low chairs) or even job-related tasks.
Research has shown that 16, one-hour LSVT BIG therapy sessions, over the course of four consecutive weeks, along with an independent home exercise program can be effective in:
- Walking faster, with bigger steps and arm swings
- Improving balance
- Increasing the ability to twist at the waist
- “Small motor” tasks such as buttoning clothes and writing
- “Large motor” movements like dressing, getting up from a seat and getting into bed
The idea behind LSVT BIG is to train people to increase the size (amplitude) of their movements and to “recalibrate,” or recognize when their movements are slower or not as big as they think.
At Apex, Kassandra Jones, PT, DPT, is trained in the LSVT BIG program.
She has worked with many patients with great success!
YouTube Video on a patient pre- and post-LSVT BIG treatment:
We are a private practice outpatient physical therapy clinic offer high quality care with a personal touch. We believe that every patient should receive the quality care needed to help them prevent or rehabilitate their injuries or illnesses.
