Excel PT: LSVT-BIG

Excel PT: LSVT-BIG

EXCEL PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICIAN UPDATE

A Courtesy Publication for the Medical Community

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE HOW THE LSVT-BIG PROGRAM HELPS TREAT PARKINSON’S DISEASE

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How The LSVT-BIG Program He A Courtesy Publication fo

Parkinson’s disease is a “progressive disease of the nervous systems marked by tremor, muscle rigidity and slow, imprecise movement. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.” It commonly affects 4-6 million people worldwide and is most prevalent in Caucasian and Hispanic men over the age of 60, with a prevalence of twice as many men affected

Katie Kelly, PT, DPT

compared to women. It is diagnosed by motor symptoms including bradykinesia (slow movement), rigidity, tremor, as well as a positive response to dopamine replacement therapy. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment- BIG (LSVT-BIG) is one part of a dual-treatment program for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At Excel Physical Therapy, LSVT-BIG is taught by a certified physical therapist. LSVT-BIG is defined as an “intensive amplitude- based exercise program for the limb motor system and re-education of the sensorimotor system.” In other words, as the name implies, the exercises are comprised of big, exaggerated movements. A common presentation of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s is bradykinesia or small amplitude movements. This can include decreased arm swing or short step length (shuffling) while walking. The LSVT-BIG program begins by addressing the person’s maximum amplitude of movement, meaning “the largest range of motion with the highest effort and the best biomechanics” that the patient is capable of. Then, specific exercises are given to increase their amplitude of

2020 was full of learning experiences with all new processes, protocols and standards. As the world shifted to remote settings, so did life for our physical therapists, who like you, are balancing homeschooling and quarantine restrictions while working. In addition, our team learned how to perform their hands-on skills virtually. What The Vaccine Mea A Message from Our

This is counterintuitive to the distinctiveness of physical therapy, but our team knew treatment could not come to a halt. Our therapists learned to deliver top-notch, quality care remotely for our patients. While this service has proven its worth during the pandemic, we are eager to return to a normal clinic environment safely.

As we continue to remain vigilant in our screenings, cleaning and social distancing protocols, many of our team members have also chosen to be vaccinated as an

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movement with the goal of improving their overall gait pattern and balance to reduce their risk for falls. The accelerated program is built to slow the disease progression by protecting dopamine neurons, restore connections in the brain, and specifically train the patient’s individual deficits. The LSVT-BIG program is a specific exercise program consisting of 16 one-hour sessions for four consecutive days per week for four weeks. Throughout the four weeks, your patients are completing daily homework and carryover learned exercises for 30 days straight. This is followed by coaching of five everyday tasks that your patient is having difficulty completing, such as sit to stand transfers or pulling keys out of pocket, all under close supervision of the licensed physical therapist. Our team of certified experts are here to help slow the progression of the disease and enhance quality of life for your patients. For more information about the LSVT-BIG program at Excel Physical Therapy, please see our location list to find a certified LSVT-BIG clinician near your patient. By Katie Kelly, PT, DPT, Staff Physical Therapist at Excel Physical Therapy - Blue Bell More information can also be found at: www.excelphysicaltherapy.com/specialties/lsvt-big CEL PHYSICAL THERAPY ICIAN UPDATE elps Treat Parkinson’s Disease or the Medical Community

ans For Hands-On Care r CEO, Kristin Mullen

additional safety measure. With that, I am pleased to share that the majority of our team is vaccinated. Vaccination is critical to protecting our patients and staff and we take that very seriously. There are patients, like you, who need our hands-on care now. Our value as providers of physical therapy lies in our ability to connect with patients, and having vaccinated therapists providing this additional safety measure of care for our patients fosters this connection. We will continue to do our part in providing safe, hands-on care so our patients can resume pursuing the activities they love, while being pain-free. Should you want to learn more about COVID-19 vaccination options and safety, simply give us a call.

In Good Health, Kristin Mullen, CEO, Excel Physical Therapy

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Patient Success Spotlight

“I started physical therapy after a fall. I have Parkinson’s disease, which affects my balance and movement, so falls are common. My evaluation and program were not only spot on for my Parkinson’s, but also for my other issues (back, neck, shoulder and knee pain). In the beginning, I couldn’t turn my head without losing my balance, and my neck was so stiff that to look to the side required moving at the waist. Now my neck is as free in all directions as it’s been in years. I can walk forward, sideways and even backwards without losing my balance. My visits were always concise, challenging and helpful. I’m still 70 years old with Parkinson’s, but I have new tools to help with making my daily life more enjoyable, all thanks to the staff at Excel Physical Therapy in Royersford. My thanks to all.” - G.E. “I have new tools to help with making my daily life more enjoyable, all thanks to the staff at Excel PT...”

Common Conditions We Treat

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Shoulder Pain

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Elbow & Arm Pain Hand & Wrist Pain

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