How Big Can It Get? Parkinson's Patients Find Greater Expression

For those individuals who are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, life is profoundly different as the condition progresses. Parkinson's is most identified by it's effect on mood and energy. This occurs because the brain cells responsible for producing the neurotransmitter dopamine become impaired or die. When this happens, it decreases the ability of the sympathetic nervous system to regulate the more active functions of the body which present as low energy with slow motion, as well as tremor and a depressed affect. Individuals with Parkinson's also sustain damage to the nerve endings that produce norepinephrine which results in further dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic) and functions like blood pressure regulation. Balance and good posture become challenged as well as the ability to speak and maintain mental clarity.


Patients with Parkinson's disease are treated with medications that mimic or convert to dopamine to maintain some higher level of sympathetic arousal and surgery may be recommended which involves implanting electrodes deep in the brain to stimulate those parts that control movement. In addition, physical therapy may be an effective treatment to maintain and enhance voluntary function of muscle groups that have experienced decline. We have found a treatment here at Healthlinks that has been shown to markedly improve the quality of life for many Parkinson's patients. It's called LSVT Big.

LSVT was developed to help Parkinson's patients speak louder and improve movement size and quality. It has been shown to increase the amplitute of gait and trunk rotation to improve functionality of daily activity and speed of the limbs as well as improving balance. This intensive protocol uses many repetitions of functional movement patterns to maintain and in some cases re-establish movement that has been impaired. LSVT is truly a one of a kind treatment that improves the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. And the earlier this intervention is applied the greater the impact it will make. Give us a call to see if this is a program for you or your loved one. Call us at 303-443-1937 and visit LSVT Global to learn more about this unique treatment.