TROY, N.C. – FirstHealth of the Carolinas is excited to announce the launch of the LSVT BIG program, a specialized treatment designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions, at Montgomery Memorial’s outpatient rehabilitation department. With the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease projected to double by 2040, this program is a significant addition to the rehabilitation services offered to patients.
LSVT BIG is a globally recognized treatment approach specifically tailored for people with Parkinson’s disease. It focuses on enhancing the amplitude of limb and body movements ("bigger" movements) to improve functional mobility and independence in daily activities.
The program's emphasis on repetition and high-intensity exercises is designed to slow disease progression and maintain functional independence.
“We are proud to have five of our rehabilitation team members now certified in LSVT BIG, including two physical therapists, two physical therapist assistants and an occupational therapist,” said Mike Shutt, director of rehabilitation services at Montgomery Memorial. “This team is equipped to deliver comprehensive care to our patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of treatment.”
While LSVT BIG is primarily designed for Parkinson’s disease, it has also shown promise in treating other conditions such as stroke, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, balance issues and spinal cord injury. The program addresses muscle activation deficits and sensory processing problems, making it beneficial for anyone experiencing balance issues and falls.
LSVT BIG is a four-week program, and patients attend therapy four times a week for one-hour treatment sessions. Each session is customized to incorporate functional tasks and activities of daily living, helping patients to apply “bigger” movements to real-life scenarios. This approach aims to counteract the freezing and small movements commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease.
“We are thrilled to bring LSVT BIG to our community,” added Shutt. “This program enhances our ability to support individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Our team is dedicated to helping our patients achieve improved quality of life through greater independence and increased mobility.”
For more information about the LSVT BIG program at Montgomery Memorial, call (910) 571-5129.
