People living with Parkinson’s disease often move differently with actions that become progressively smaller and slower. They may have trouble with getting around, getting dressed and with other everyday activities. “Small motor” tasks like buttoning a shirt or “large motor” tasks like getting up from a chair or maintaining balance while walking can be challenging for people with Parkinson’s. Fortunately, there is the LSVT BIG program, a research-based exercise approach that can help people with Parkinson’s to move their body more normally.
Since May 2016, the Rehabilitation Department at Windom Area Health has been offering this program to those who are living with Parkinson’s disease. The treatment is delivered one-on-one and is designed to include tasks and goals that are meaningful to the individual and appropriate for their abilities. This approach allows LSVT BIG to be appropriate for people in any stage of the disease.
We have seen improvements in our patients such as faster walking with bigger steps and arm swings and improved balance. It has also helped people with buttoning their clothes, writing, getting dressed, getting up from a seat and with bed mobility. LSVT BIG has been a great means to improving the quality of life for our patients. For more information, please visit our Rehabilitation page, watch our Parkinson’s patient’s videos or call the Windom Area Health Rehabilitation Department at 507-831-0634.
Blog Written By: Carmin Johnson, Physical Therapy Assistant