By Professional Physical Therapy

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects movement. Named after British physician James Parkinson, who first described its symptoms in 1817, this condition is caused by a deficiency of dopamine—a crucial chemical messenger in the brain’s movement centers. While the exact cause of PD remains unknown, factors such as genetics, exposure to toxins, and aging can contribute to its development.

Do You Recognize the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Symptoms of PD typically appear when approximately 80% of dopamine-producing nerve cells have stopped functioning properly. Common signs include:

• Resting tremors that often begin on one side of the body
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Rigid or stiff movements, sometimes resulting in cramped handwriting
• Shuffling gait or freezing episodes while walking
• Muffled speech and reduced facial expression

As a progressive disorder, PD symptoms worsen over time, but with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can maintain an active and independent life.

There Are Available Treatments to Help You Manage the Disease:

• Physical therapy, particularly LSVT BIG
• Occupational therapy
• Surgical interventions in some cases

By combining these treatments, individuals with PD can significantly enhance their quality of life and maintain their mobility.

Have You Heard of LSVT BIG?

LSVT BIG is a research-backed physical therapy program specifically designed for individuals with PD. Developed from the LSVT LOUD speech therapy approach, LSVT BIG focuses on increasing movement amplitude, helping patients move more confidently and efficiently.

The Many Benefits Include:

• Faster walking with bigger steps
• Improved balance and posture
• Increased trunk rotation and flexibility

How LSVT BIG Works:

• Focuses on a single target: amplitude (bigger movements)
• Encourages high-effort and intensive practice
• Teaches patients how to produce normalized movement patterns
• Helps translate improved movements into everyday activities
• Empowers individuals with PD to take control of their mobility and quality of life

When Should You Begin Treatment for Parkinson’s?

It’s crucial to begin physical therapy as soon as possible. Research suggests that waiting until significant disability or balance issues develop may reduce the effectiveness of interventions. Starting therapy early—before PD significantly impacts daily activities—can lead to better long-term outcomes.

LSVT BIG Therapy Structure:

• 16 sessions: Four days per week for four weeks
• One-on-one, hour-long therapy sessions
• Daily at-home exercises to reinforce progress
• Daily carryover exercises to integrate movements into real-world activities

By following this structured plan, LSVT BIG helps individuals avoid inactivity and maintain functional movement, ensuring they stay engaged in daily life.

• Sit to stand big – Begin sitting upright in a chair with a target in front of you, just past an arms length away. With momentum, bending and the hips, reach toward the object as you push down equally into both feet, allowing your buttock to come off the chair. Then stand nice tall and squeeze your buttock. Reverse the movement by reaching toward the object, bending at the waist and knees, and lowering your buttock back to the chair. Return to the starting position and repeat.
  • Tip – think BIG and use big movement (if you can safely)
• Step and reach forward – Begin in a standing upright position.
  • Movement – Take a large step forward, and reach your arms out to your sides at the same time, with your hands wide.
  • Tip – Make sure to stand tall, step as far as you can without losing your balance, and keep your hands wide as you reach.
    • It is safer if you do this near a counter or holding on to a counter if you need to.
  • Tip – think BIG and use big movement (if you can safely)
  • Tip – If you are unable to stand you can do the same motions while sitting just do the motions BIG.
• Write BIG – Grab a blank piece of paper and write a sentence using BIG motions (large amplitude and fast velocity) – write the sentence 10 times thinking BIG motion the whole time
• Marble Pick – up – Get 30-40 marble spread them out on a towel (so they don’t roll away). Pick up 1 at a time and place it in a container. Use BIG open to close hand motions and exaggerated arm movement (do it BIG). Repeat with the other hand.

Living Well with Parkinson’s

A Parkinson’s diagnosis does not mean giving up an active lifestyle. With the right treatment, regular exercise, and a strong support system, individuals with PD can continue to live fulfilling and independent lives. The key is to stay informed, embrace treatment options like LSVT BIG, and accept support when needed.

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease, consider speaking with a certified physical therapist about LSVT BIG to see how it can help improve mobility, confidence, and overall well-being. Schedule an appointment at  Professional Physical Therapy today.