With the right treatments, physical therapy and exercise can help slow the progression of Parkinson's disease and help you maintain a good quality of life.
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We will help you move and feel better!
LSVT BIG PARKINSON'S TREATMENT
It's possible to slow progression and maintain good quality of life with the right treatments.
Physical therapy is one part of a comprehensive wellness plan for anyone living with a neurodegenerative movement disorder. In addition to standard physical therapy treatments, Dr. Tara Pandiscia is certified to provide LSVT Big treatment, an intensive, amplitude focused approach supported by scientific research.
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Learn about LSVT BIG, who it helps, and how it differs from other physical/occupational therapies. LSVT Big Exercise FAQs
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S
PARKISON'S PT BEFORE & AFTER LSVT BIG EXERCISES
LSVT Big Therapy at Restorative Therapy Co.
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Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Parkinson's symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking.
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Restorative Therapy Co. offers a Parkinson's Disease Program in Virginia Beach. Our program includes different types of exercise and training to improve your mobility in your daily activities.
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LSVT BIG TREATMENT
The treatment protocol includes 16 treatments in one month (4 days per week for 4 weeks). The program includes a daily exercise program, as well as gait, balance, and functional task training.
Benefits of this approach include: faster walking, improved balance, ability to perform daily activities.
LSVT BIG EXERCISE FAQs:
What is LSVT Big?
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LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise program developed from the principles of the LSVT LOUD program. The LSVT BIG program has been developed specifically for patients with Parkinson’s Disease. With over 25 years of research, the program has shown documented improvements of faster walking and bigger steps, improved balance, and increased trunk rotation. LSVT BIG treatment is only delivered by PTs or OTs who are certified in the method.
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Our LSVT Big Program in Virginia Beach for Parkinson's patients focuses on geriatrics, balance and fall prevention, and neurological movement disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease and MS in charge of Dr. Tara Pandiscia a licensed, Physical Therapist who will be performing the treatment.
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How does LSVT Big exercise work?​
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The LSVT BIG program drives high-intensity and high-effort practice to teach the effort required to produce normal movements. The exercises translate into bigger movements in everyday activities.
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When is LSVT Big exercise appropriate?
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Patients with Parkinson’s Disease can participate in the LSVT BIG program at any time during their disease process. However, research suggests that the earlier a patient gets into the program, the more beneficial it can be.
The exercise program can be modified to accommodate patients at different levels of mobility.
What are some of the benefits following the LSVT BIG exercise program?
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LSVT BIG improved ratings on motor function tests, including faster walking with bigger steps, improved balance, increased trunk mobility including rotation, improvements in daily living activities such as buttoning a shirt and getting out of bed, and improved Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).
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Ultimately, LSVT BIG helps to improve the mismatch between what you feel you’re doing and what you’re actually doing, making you more confident, comfortable, and empowered. With one month of hard work, LSVT BIG can open doors to a more active and independent life.
What type of exercise will I be doing?
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​The LSVT BIG program consists of 16 sessions: 4 days/week for 4 weeks with individual 1-hour sessions and daily homework practice. There are seven specific daily exercises in addition to practicing individualized functional tasks and hierarchy tasks.
The maximal daily exercises are standard exercises that all patients perform. The exercises can be tailored to each person’s ability. These exercises focus on sustained posture, trunk rotation, balance, and stepping. The five functional tasks are made custom to each patient’s needs. These are one-step tasks, such as sit-to-stand, turning, backward stepping, etc.
The hierarchy tasks are also custom to the patient’s needs. These are more complex tasks, such as getting on-and-off the floor, getting in-and-out of bed, getting in-and-out of the car, etc.
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How do I get started with LSVT Big exercise at Restorative Therapy Co.?
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To get started with the LSVT BIG program, you first need a prescription for your doctor's program. This may come from your primary care physician or your neurologist.
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Contact Restorative Therapy Co. in Virginia Beach and book an appointment with our Parkison's Specialist Dr. Tara Pandiscia to get started.
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About Our Parkinson's Specialist
Dr. Tara Pandiscia, PT, DPT, PYT, is a Board certified and licensed Physical Therapist with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University. Areas of focus include geriatrics, balance and fall prevention, and neurological movement disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease and MS.
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