What is LSVT Big?
It’s an intensive, amplitude-focused therapy protocol for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease movement symptoms. The program has been researched for over 25 years and has been shown to be effective in helping people with Parkinson’s Disease to walk faster with bigger steps, improve balance, and improve mobility and activities of daily living. LSVT Big can only be delivered by certified Physical or Occupational Therapists - Dr. Tara Pandiscia, PT, DPT is our certified LSVT Big clinician at Restorative Therapy Co!
What does amplitude focused mean?
People with Parkinson’s Disease may experience changes in their movement as a result of changes in sensory processing, neurological, and psychological changes. Movement is often out of calibration and looks smaller (think shuffled steps compared to picking up your feet) and slower (may take much longer to rise to standing from a chair). Even though the person is trying to move normally, the output is small/slow because of the change in signaling from the brain to the body - like trying to drive with the parking brake on, the car will move but not like normal.
What does LSVT Big Treatment look like?
The LSVT Big is a highly structured program consisting of 16 sessions: 1 hour PT sessions, 4x/week for 4 weeks with high intensity, high effort exercise-based training along with daily homework practice and daily carryover exercises.
You will likely hear Dr. Tara Pandiscia coaching and cheering you on with phrases like “Go Bigger!” and “Do it again!” in order to reap the most benefit out of your sessions. Intensive effort is needed to override the PD symptoms of bradykinesia (slow movements) and hypokinesia (small movements) that make everyday activities and mobility a challenge for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
It should never be EASY - if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you!
It should never be BORING - Tara has many tricks up her sleeve to add challenge and keep you on your toes during treatment!
It should always BE BIG!
If you are ready to get started with the LSVT Big program or PT treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, book an appointment with Dr. Tara Pandiscia, LSVT Big Certified Clinician at Restorative Therapy Co. in Virginia Beach by calling 757-578-2958 or visit our website.
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