I’ve Made BIG Improvements with Parkinson’s Therapy Program

Sherri Woodbridge avatar

by Sherri Woodbridge |

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I have been seeing a physical therapist four times a week for the last month. I hadn’t injured myself, though I experience aches and pains with Parkinson’s disease.

My neurologist referred me to a physical therapist who teaches the BIG program. The LSVT BIG program is designed for people with Parkinson’s to bring their movements to a more “normal” state, as they tend to become slower and smaller over time.

My first session

My first appointment consisted of small “tests,” like those performed during a Parkinson’s diagnostic exam but less extensive. The therapist examines and times your walking and tests your balance, among other abilities.

BIG is customized for people with Parkinson’s. Perhaps you struggle with getting out of bed. Though this specific activity isn’t included in the standard routine of the BIG program, it can be worked into your tailored activities. The therapy can help you no matter what stage of the disease you are at and it’s recommended that you start treatment as early as possible.

What improved?

The BIG treatment improved my walking in general, and I gained confidence with “stair-stepping.” I no longer take each stair sideways, with extreme caution, and slower than molasses. The program helped me to be more intentional in my activities and how I carry them out.

At my therapy sessions, we started with the exercises that are specific to the BIG program. I completed two exercises while sitting in a chair, stretching down, up, and back, and ending with a “BIG” finish. The rest of the exercises — except for the last — are performed while standing and are aimed at balance and coordination, and also end with a “BIG” finish. The program strives to teach the person with Parkinson’s to emulate the bigger movements of those around them who walk and interact “normally.”

After the “regular” exercises, we practiced tasks tailored to my needs. These included cutting up food, buttoning/unbuttoning and zipping/unzipping my coat or sweater, and other tasks. After those exercises, we walked around the neighborhood for a half-hour, practicing arm swings and balance.

Was it worth it?

My sessions are over, and as my movements have improved, my outlook has, too. While the exercises are not difficult to do, they must be practiced daily for continuous improvement. I noticed that if I skipped even one day, it made a difference to my ease of movement. I realize that if I want to live BIG, I need to exercise BIG, and that means I must think BIG.

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.

Comments

Scott avatar

Scott

I felt the exact same way. I started LSVT right after diagnosis and it has helped. You are right in saying you need to practice every day.

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Thanks for the comment, Scott!

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Marilyn avatar

Marilyn

I'm shocked that for someone as tuned in to the P.D. community as you are, it took 15 years for you to discover LSVT BIG. I'm in a rural, backward area and it was offered to me 6 years ago. It is helpful, so good luck with it.

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Mike Temple avatar

Mike Temple

Morning everyone. My name is Mike and I found BIG some years ago. I followed it religiously and found that it helped me decide to take exercise even further I am a member of GBR age group and represent this country in Duathalons
Agedc 77 I will not be beaten byParkinsons

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Mike - Keep on! Thanks for sharing!

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Diana Krawtz avatar

Diana Krawtz

Sherri! Keep sharing... I am always uplifted by your articles!!! And your faith ! Thank you , Diana

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Diana - Thanks so very much for your comment. It was my encouragement for today!!!

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Richard Truelove avatar

Richard Truelove

I took the LSVT Big program several years ago offered through Johns Hopkins Physical Therapy. It was very helpful, and I was instructed to go through the exercises daily to maintain my progress. As an aid I purchased a DVD "LSVT homework helper" with the exercises on it. I recommend that anyone with PD go through "Big and Loud" as I did. The DVD is available at www.LSVTGlobal.com or www.amazon.com/shops/LSVTGlobal. In addition "Rock Steady Boxing" is great for keeping your movements and balance in shape.

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Thanks for the input, Richard!

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Anja Schwalen avatar

Anja Schwalen

Thanks for your post. I started with LSVT BIG shortly after my diagnosis past April, and I think it helped. However, after the summer and me being back to teaching high school, I have skipped many days and gone to classes at the gym instead ( felt there was not enough time to do both).
However you have encouraged me to come back to it in the new year and try to make it a priority each day, and watch for it making a difference.

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Hi Anja - thanks for your comment. I am glad you were encouraged and good luck in the new year as you strive to prioritize your health! It’s so very important.

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