Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation 

We have certified therapists providing both LSVT BIG - a researched neuroplasticity-based exercise protocol designed for Parkinson's disease and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) therapy.

LSVT BIG® Exercise Approach

The LSVT BIG® exercise approach has resulted from of over 25 years of scientific research that has documented improved ratings on tests of motor functioning in patients with Parkinson's. LSVT BIG® works to increase amplitude of limb and body movements in order to enhance trunk rotation and gait to allow for improved speed, balance, as well as quality of life for those in our community who have Parkinson's disease. The protocol is an exercise-based intensive program that focuses on key movements that are used in every day living manner. Research has shown that exercising in this nature has many benefits for patients with Parkinson's disease and may even help to the progression of the disease. 

The LSVT BIG program advises that Parkinson's patients do not wait to start treatment until the prevalent signs of impaired function or loss of balance begin to show. Starting the LSVT BIG protocol as soon as possible, right from the time of diagnosis, helps the patient to re-focus their lifestyle and take an active role in confronting the disease. 

The research findings demonstrate that practicing big movements reduces bradykinesia, which is one of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson's. Bradykinesia causes people to move slowly and underestimate how much effort it will require to take a step.

For example, a person with PD will believe they are expending enough effort to take a large step when in reality it is only enough effort for a shuffle.

Traditional therapy for people with Parkinson's Disease usually has multiple goals: flexibility, strength and balance and requires patients to remember multiple instructions for each goal. In LSVT Big, people focus on one goal - THINK BIG! As a result, they can use more effort in everything they do - standing, dressing, getting out of a car, walking, cleaning, etc.

Focusing on one goal makes it easier for people with neurological disorders who typically have difficulty with attention demanding complex tasks. When there is only one goal, people find it easier to participate in intensive, repeated practice.

The program is delivered by a certified LSVT Big physiotherapist in a one on one intervention. In order to make neuroplastic brain change so that bigger, more normal movements are automatic again, the program is delivered in an intensive manner - 4 days/week for 4 weeks, 16 sessions total, of one hour duration. There is daily carry over exercise assignments as well.

Want to learn more about LSVT Big? Click here to watch informative webinars >

Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!)

We have several therapist trained in Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery, a comprehensive neuroplasticity-principled program that promotes rehabilitation, exercise, and wellness in those with Parkinson’s Disease. It is a research-based integrated exercise and wellness program that helps to counteract the inactivity, motor deterioration, and symptoms of PD.

Learn more about PWR! at https://www.pwr4life.org/pwr4life/

Looking for support and advice on living with Parkinson's Disease? Check out The Michael J. Fox Foundation's Facebook page!

We have experience and training in treating many types of Parkinson's and Parkinsonism:

• Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

• Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

• Vascular (Arteriosclerotic) parkinsonism

How can Myofascial Release therapy benefit clients with Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease often causes progressive rigidity resulting in tightening of the muscles and soft tissue (fascia). This can lead to abnormal alignment and compensatory movement patterns that can cause pain, and interfere with balance and mobility. By utilizing Myofascial Release therapy, restrictions in the fascia and muscles can be released in order to allow clients to re-establish proper postural alignment and help encourage more normal patterns of movement. By releasing these restrictions, Parkinson’s patients are able to move more freely and efficiently, making the exercises they do that much easier and effective. This allows the Parkinson’s client increased quality of life as it helps to reduce pain and make everyday movement easier.

LSVT BIG helps to implement the following in Parkinson's patients:

• Faster walking with bigger steps

• Improved balance

• Increased trunk rotation

Watch these videos to see the effects that LSVT Big has had on real clients!

LSVT Global has compiled some great videos of real client's experiences and results with the LSVT program. Click the titles below to watch them.

• LSVT Big Oslo Video

• LSVT Big Pre and Post Treatment Video

• LSVT Before and After Video