Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disorder which often causes patients to suffer from trembling hands, rigid and stiff muscles and joints, trouble walking and/or talking, shaky balance and coordination, and a pronounced slowness (to their movements). RCI is proud to offer the LSVT BIG Program as part of our extensive list of physical therapy services. LSVT is an internationally recognized treatment program designed specifically to enhance function in Parkinson's Disease patients. The program is open to individuals of all ages and all stages of the disease through our North North Wilmington, Concord Plaza Office. Research on Parkinson's Disease has lead to the realization that patients afflicted with the disease actually have a disruption in their internal feedback mechanism that monitors the amplitude (size) of their movements. Take walking for example: Parkinson's patients frequently think they're taking large, normal-size steps when, in fact, they appear to be taking very small baby steps. When instructed to over emphasize the size of their steps they feel they "look silly" but in fact, they actually look to have a normal gait pattern. Therapists certified in the LSVT BIG Treatment program conduct the one-hour-long, one-on-one sessions. In fact, only a Certified LSVT Therapist can conduct the program, which is comprised of 4 one hour long therapy sessions each week for 4 consecutive weeks. There is homework as well. LSVT patients are given exercises to conduct at home once daily on therapy days and twice daily on non-therapy days. At the completion of the four-week intense therapy program, patients typically continue their home (exercise) program and are then called back in 3 to 6 month intervals for a recheck and recalibration of the home exercises. The best part is that patients of all ages and stages of the disease can benefit from the program since it can be modified as needed to accommodate functional limitations and existing disabilities. There is, as of yet, no cure for Parkinson's Disease. By offering the LSVT program to our patients with Parkinson's, we can help limit the symptoms of the disease and improve function. For further information about this program, or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (302) 478-5240.
