LSVT Big
LSVT Big is a treatment plan for people with Parkinson’s Disease. It is based on the principle that the brain can learn and change (neuroplasticity). Parkinson’s is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include slow movement, stiffness, loss of balance, tremors, and small shuffling steps.
LSVT Big teaches patients to use bigger movements to compensate for limitations caused by Parkinson’s. These big movements are general in nature so that they can be applied to a variety of everyday activities.
The LSVT Big treatment consists of 16 intense therapy sessions over 4 weeks with a specially trained physical therapist. LSVT Big differs from other physical therapy treatment plans in that the patient only has to focus on one thing – BIG! – leading to faster walking with bigger steps, better balance, increased trunk rotation, greater confidence, and an overall improved quality of life.