ROME — Rome Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is adding a new therapy program to help patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease or other neurological disorders.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Jordan Wohlfert, is now certified in LSVT-BIG, a research-based treatment protocol that improves mobility and movement used in everyday function. LSVT, known as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, was initially developed to help people communicate better.

Physical therapists took the core ideas of LSVT LOUD and created LSVT BIG, which trains people with Parkinson disease to use their body more normally.

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological condition that affects nerve cells in the brain. Many think of Back to the Future star, Michael J. Fox and the battle he has had for the last 30 years with the disease. Although most people with Parkinson’s first develop the disease after age 60, about 5% to 10% experience onset before the age of 50. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women. 

Parkinson’s has four main symptoms: tremor in hands, arms, legs or head; muscle stiffness, where muscle remains contracted for a long time; slowness of movement; impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls. Other symptoms may include: difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking; depression and other emotional changes; urinary problems or constipation; and skin problems.

Wohlfert explained that his interest in LSVT BIG started in college.

“One of my professors was certified in LSVT and she discussed it in class many times. Ever since then, I had an interest in it,” he said. “Coming to the area, we have treated patients with Parkinson’s Disease, and we were able to help them in some ways, but not to the extent that LSVT BIG can help.”

LSVT BIG is customized to each person’s needs and goals. BIG refers to how the therapy reteaches people how normal movement should feel by helping them “recalibrate” and recognize when their movements are smaller or slower than they think.

Studies have shown that LSVT BIG can help people in the early to middle stages of Parkinson’s, but clinical experience indicates that the treatment can also help people with later-stages of Parkinson’s, atypical Parkinsonisms or movement challenges from other neurological conditions, such as a brain injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), and balance deficits (frequent falls).

“When a patient is interested in LSVT BIG, I explain to them in detail what to expect during the treatment,” Wohlfert said. “I see a patient four times a week for 60 minutes for a full month.”

The focus during these sessions is on big movements and amplitude. The movements help to increase strength, balance, and cardio as well.

LSVT-BIG can help patients with large-motor movements, like walking, sitting and getting out of bed, as well as small-motor tasks. With time and practice, we can help patients develop more confidence in how they move.

After successful completion of the first month of treatment, Wohlfert said that patients are encouraged to continue practicing the exercises and movements at home. Patients can request to be seen again as early as three months to one year if they need additional therapy. The patient will be reevaluated and more sessions can be ordered.

Rome Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is located in Chestnut Commons, 107 E. Chestnut St. If you or someone you know could benefit from an LSVT BIG treatment, call 315-337-7952 and schedule an appointment with Jordan Wohlfert, DPT. Insurance requires an order from your provider to schedule an appointment.