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Specialties

LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG

LSVT LOUD™ (Boise and Twin Falls)

Focus on Speech Therapy

89% of people with Parkinson's disease will have problems with speech that begin early in the disease and worsen as it progresses. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD™ is a standardized treatment program backed by 20 years of research that can help people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions develop stronger speech and communication patterns. 

LSVT LOUD treatment helps improve:

  • Vocal loudness
  • Speech intelligibility
  • Facial expressions
  • Interpersonal confidence

Early intervention through speech therapy is the most effective way to treat progressive decline that can, over time, diminish your quality of life. LSVT LOUD and St. Luke's speech therapists will help you establish a lifelong habit of effective communication, improving your quality of life if you're living with Parkinson's.

LSVT BIG™ (Boise Only)

Focus on Physical and Occupational Therapy

Research suggests that you shouldn't wait until you begin to experience disability, impaired function, or loss of balance to start exercise-based physical and occupational therapy. LSVT BIG™ is a research-based exercise approach developed from principles of the effective Parkinson's speech treatment, LSVT LOUD. Research on LSVT BIG has shown improved rates of motor function in people with Parkinson's following treatment. Improvements include:

  • Faster walking with bigger steps
  • Improved balance
  • Increased trunk rotation

Our certified physical therapist specializes in LSVT BIG and its treatment for people with Parkinson's disease. Treatment includes:

  • Training a single target of amplitude (bigger movements)
  • Driving intensive and high-effort practice
  • Teaching the amount of effort required to produce normal movements
  • Translating bigger movements into real-world, everyday activities
  • Empowering people with Parkinson's to improve
  • Providing an independent home exercise program

Participate in LSVT LOUD and/or LSVT BIG

Treatment is often covered by insurance as part of a comprehensive therapy program, and includes multiple steps:

  • 16 individual, one-hour sessions
  • Sessions of four consecutive days for four weeks
  • Daily homework practice
  • Daily carryover exercises

Highlights & Resources

  • Article

    Parkinson's Disease and Speech Problems

  • Article

    Parkinson's Disease and Exercise

Support the Patients and Families at St. Luke's Neurosciences

Support the Patients and Families at St. Lukes Neurosciences

You Can Make a Difference

You can make a real difference in the lives of patients and families facing medical challenges. We hope you’ll help us provide the exceptional healthcare and support they deserve. We encourage you to get involved by making a financial gift, sponsoring or attending events, or volunteering your time.