LSVT Big therapy program for Parkinson’s disease at St. Joseph’s/Candler
Rediscover the power of movement with LSVT Big
The LSVT Big program is specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Adapted from principles used in speech therapy, LSVT Big helps individuals focus on making bigger and more deliberate movements. Parkinson’s disease often leads to smaller, slower, and less noticeable movements, and many individuals are unaware of the extent of this change. The program targets this challenge by retraining the brain to recognize and perform large, intentional movements in everyday activities.
Why LSVT Big is important
Parkinson’s disease impacts the sensory system, which can reduce an individual's awareness of their movements. Many people don’t realize their actions have become smaller and less functional compared to those without the condition. This lack of sensory feedback affects key aspects of daily life, such as:
- Communication: Reduced ability to express oneself through gestures or physical cues.
- Mobility: Difficulty performing tasks that require large, deliberate movements.
- Independence: Challenges in managing day-to-day activities without assistance.
By focusing on exaggerated, high-effort movements, LSVT Big retrains the brain to recognize and perform functional movements, helping individuals:
- Regain confidence in their physical abilities.
- Improve functionality in everyday tasks.
- Enhance the overall quality of life.
A comprehensive commitment to improvement
LSVT Big is a structured program requiring daily exercises to create lasting change. The program focuses on both functional tasks and hierarchy tasks to address real-life challenges, such as:
Functional tasks:
- Opening doors or cabinets.
- Stepping over obstacles.
- Getting in and out of cars.
- Carrying groceries or shopping bags.
Hierarchy tasks:
- Navigating multistep actions for household chores.
- Managing specific challenges unique to the participant's daily life.
Each exercise is customized to the participant's goals and needs, ensuring the program remains practical and impactful. Practicing these tasks regularly improves patients' mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Why choose St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital for LSVT Big therapy
The LSVT Big program is offered exclusively on the Candler Hospital Campus through outpatient services, ensuring patients receive specialized care in a trusted medical setting. This program is uniquely equipped to address our patient’s challenges with complications from Parkinson's disease. Key benefits of choosing our LSVT Big therapy include:
- Advanced Therapeutic Tools: Access to state-of-the-art equipment tailored for movement therapy.
- Expert Care Team: Highly trained professionals treating Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
- Personalized Approach: Therapy plans are developed collaboratively with input from both the patient and their physician.
A physician referral is required to begin your journey with LSVT Big, and eligibility is determined at your doctor’s discretion. At St. Joseph's/Candler, we prioritize providing the highest standard of care to help you regain your independence and improve your quality of life.
Long-term benefits of LSVT Big therapy
LSVT Big offers more than just a short-term improvement—it’s a program designed to create lasting change for individuals looking to gain control of their lives and exercise independence on a new level. Participants can expect:
- Improved Movement: Increased ability to perform functional and everyday tasks with ease.
- Better Pain Management: Movement therapy helps reduce significant discomfort caused by neurological conditions.
- Increased Independence: Regain confidence in managing daily routines without assistance.
Many patients continue to use LSVT Big principles long after completing the program, integrating these techniques and resources into their everyday lives. Join a community of individuals navigating similar challenges through our community support groups. For those unable to attend regular sessions, the program can be adapted for twice-daily home practice so you won’t miss a beat with your treatment.
No matter what challenges movement disorders may bring, LSVT Big provides a path to renewed strength, independence, and confidence. With world-class care and expert guidance, we will walk this journey together, helping you reclaim each step, gesture, and moment with purpose and possibility.
A physician’s referral is required to start this program.
5353 Reynolds Street,
Savannah, Ga. 31405
912-819-6176
We are located beside the main entrance at Candler Hospital