Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that causes movements to become smaller and less coordinated than normal. It also affects balance, coordination, and posture. These changes can diminish a person’s confidence, speed, and safety in performing common tasks. However, there is a research-driven, highly structured, and effective treatment program known as LSVT Big® that can help. This program can only be administered by a certified practitioner. Kevin Cheung, DPT, at West Park Rehab in Franklin is a certified Parkinson’s LSVT Big therapist.

Research on LSVT Big has documented improved ratings on tests of motor function in people with Parkinson’s disease following treatment. Improvements include:

• Faster walking with bigger steps
• Improved balance
• Better movement in the torso
• Reduced risk of falling

LSVT Big treatment consists of 16 individual 1-hour sessions with a LSVT Big certified Physical Therapist. Treatment is performed 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. Training is provided to improve functional skills, personalized to each patient, and home exercises are taught to accelerate progress.

The program effectively trains patients for improved movement in any activity, whether “small motor” tasks like buttoning a shirt, or “large motor” tasks like getting up from a sofa or chair or maintaining balance while walking. This treatment improves walking, self-care, and other tasks by helping people “recalibrate” how they perceive their movements with what others actually see.

LSVT Big has been used globally by certified therapists with success. Please watch a video of a Noregian man who received treatment through the LSVT Big program.

This treatment can be useful in nearly all stages of the disease but is best if started sooner versus later. Contact your doctor and ask to be referred to the LSVT Big program at West Park Rehab for an evaluation with certified therapist, Kevin Cheung, DPT.

Don’t let this kind of physical problem go on without getting the help you need.

Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.