Walking and Speaking with Confidence: LVST for Parkinson’s Disease

A new treatment offered by Outpatient Therapy Services at Christian Hospital’s Graham Medical Center is improving the lives of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Guided by experienced and specially trained therapists, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, or LSVT®, is a clinically proven method, developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to improve speech and movement disorders over the course of just four weeks.

“LSVT® consists of a series of exaggerated, repeated movements that essentially change the pathways in the brain,” explains Holly Thornton, lead physical therapist at Graham Medical Center.

“We give our patients simple cues and model the exercises, which makes it easy for them to follow and repeat over and over, both here and at home.”

There are two LSVT® programs: LSVT LOUD® for speech and LSVT BIG® for movement. Patients with Parkinson’s disease often, unbeknownst to them, speak too quietly to be heard. LSVT LOUD® exercises the vocal cords to help them project their voice more clearly and effectively.

While LSVT LOUD® helps transform how patients speak, LSVT BIG® incorporates large, exaggerated arm and leg movements to bring the smaller and slower movements associated with Parkinson’s disease back into normal limits.

Each program consists of 16 one-hour sessions: four consecutive days a week for four weeks. While LSVT® is open to all patients with Parkinson’s disease with a referral from their doctor, starting treatment early on can prevent smaller symptoms from becoming bigger problems.

“Traditional treatment for Parkinson’s disease is not as structured or specific,” shares Holly. “LSVT® is much more intensive and functionally focused. We tailor it to each patient’s individual goals, whether that’s cooking a meal at home or attending their grandson’s football game, and work on practical ways to accomplish those goals. Patients often see the difference very quickly.”

Staying abreast of the latest advancements for their patients, the therapists at Graham Medical Center Outpatient Therapy Services were eager to bring this to patients in North County. While it only became available in August 2021, one couple can already attest to the positive impact of LSVT®. Bill and Peggy Foege, of Ferguson, Mo., are lifelong residents of North County and high school sweethearts.

Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. An active couple, the diagnosis was challenging, but they faced it together as they always have in their 59 years of marriage. “The symptoms of Parkinson’s have been so alien to me,” shares Bill. “You end up changing your whole life.”

Throughout Bill’s medical journey, he and Peggy learned of LSVT BIG® and were excited to discover he could now participate in it close to home. He began his therapy in September 2021.

“When we were researching Parkinson’s disease, we learned how important exercise and movement are. Parkinson’s wants to shut you down, and you’ve got to keep moving,” says Peggy. “It has been so convenient having this just five minutes from our home.”

Over the course of his therapy, Bill’s balance significantly improved, and he can now walk and stand much taller. Peggy found the program to be helpful for her as well. “It’s so personalized. They gave us such good advice and really focused on how they could help us at home with everyday activities,” shares Peggy. “They encouraged me to come in too, so I’m able to help remind Bill what to do.”

Along with this highly specialized treatment, Graham Medical Center Outpatient Therapy Services boasts a top-rated therapy team with a variety of expertise. Each therapist treats only one patient at a time, ensuring their undivided attention, and the expansive facility is well equipped for all patients. All of this in tandem is making a difference for patients with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers — like Bill and Peggy.

While Bill and Peggy live a more curtailed life with Bill’s Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and the significant back and knee pain he experiences, LSVT® has given them more confidence in their daily life. “When we come across something challenging, we know more ways we can approach it,” explains Peggy. Recently, the couple spent an afternoon out attending the symphony and enjoying a meal.

“It’s really about getting our patients back to their lives,” says Holly. “We’re one of the only places to offer LSVT® in the area, and it’s really nice to be bringing patients the very best possible care.”

To learn more about LSVT® or Outpatient Therapy Services, call 314.953.6090.