Speech Pathologist, Brenda Bohnenblust and Occupational Therapist, Shawna Pederson have recently been certified as LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD clinicians, allowing them to provide the highest quality of Parkinson’s care available.  They are now prepared to receive referrals in order to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.

LSVT programs are designed to help those with Parkinson disease and neurological conditions using standardized treatment protocols, delivered by certified clinicians.

Most people (89%) with Parkinson disease will have problems with speech starting early in the disease process and progressively diminish their quality of life.  Common speech problems include a soft voice, Mumbled speech, monotone speech and a hoarse voice.  Medicine and neurosurgery typically don’t help speech disorders.  LSVT Loud has proven to be an effective way to improve speech.

LSVT Big is a research-based exercise intervention based on principles similar to LSVT Loud.  Research has documented improved physical functioning in people with Parkinson’s disease following treatment.  Improvements include walking faster, decreasing or eliminating falls, improving balance and increasing an individual’s ability to complete the tasks they complete every day, such as dressing, toileting, cooking, working outside, shopping, attending social functions, etc.

Both LSVT Loud and LSVT Big require a significant time commitment on the part of the patient.  Treatment consists of 16 sessions:  4 days a week for 4 weeks.  Each session is an hour in duration followed by daily homework practices and carryover exercises.  It is recommended individuals continue completing their homework and carryover exercises to maximize their ability to keep the improvements they achieve with the program.