Rehabilitative Therapy for People with Parkinson’s
The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) program is an innovative and clinically-proven method for improving voice and speech in individuals with Parkinson disease. Today, LSVT Global specializes in the development of innovative and effective treatments for the speech communication (LSVT LOUD) and physical/occupational therapy (LSVT BIG) needs of individuals with Parkinson disease as well as aging and other conditions including stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
My Experience With LSVT LOUD
Today I completed my 4th week of LSVT LOUD therapy sessions (1 hour a day, 4 days a week) with Michelle Chastain-Gaid, Speech-Language Pathologist, at The Swain Center in Santa Rosa, CA. Looking back over the journal Michelle had me keep I remember my feelings and concerns during this time.
In the beginning I was given a baseline evaluation. At that time my voice was quite raspy, strained and weak. It was not steady and would fade in and out. Michelle said I have nice, high pitches, but my lower register sounds were much more unsteady and difficult. I had an 'ah-ha' moment about the importance of taking a deep breath before speaking, making it easier to project so much better. With each session I have become more aware of how I am sounding and how my throat is feeling. I have been trying to control my breath so that it an help me to project. THINK LOUD is a constant reminder--whether it is from Michelle, the sign on the wall, my own thoughts or the red button that says those words! Since Parkinson's came into my life (my diagnosis was a year and a half ago) I have felt my speech was not only weak, but also slow and hesitant. Often it was difficulty for me to formulate what I was wanting to say. I also felt I had lost some of the expression and animation in my voice. Since being involved with the LSVT therapy I have become much more aware of the concentration it takes to overcome these weak areas. It takes work--and homework!--but it has definitely been worth the effort. I feel so much better about the way I sound and this has boosted my confidence.
I was videotaped at the beginning of the course and again on the last day. The improvement shown is remarkable! My plan is to keep practicing all the things I have learned these past 4 weeks so that my voice will sound strong and confident for a long, long time!
In the beginning I was given a baseline evaluation. At that time my voice was quite raspy, strained and weak. It was not steady and would fade in and out. Michelle said I have nice, high pitches, but my lower register sounds were much more unsteady and difficult. I had an 'ah-ha' moment about the importance of taking a deep breath before speaking, making it easier to project so much better. With each session I have become more aware of how I am sounding and how my throat is feeling. I have been trying to control my breath so that it an help me to project. THINK LOUD is a constant reminder--whether it is from Michelle, the sign on the wall, my own thoughts or the red button that says those words! Since Parkinson's came into my life (my diagnosis was a year and a half ago) I have felt my speech was not only weak, but also slow and hesitant. Often it was difficulty for me to formulate what I was wanting to say. I also felt I had lost some of the expression and animation in my voice. Since being involved with the LSVT therapy I have become much more aware of the concentration it takes to overcome these weak areas. It takes work--and homework!--but it has definitely been worth the effort. I feel so much better about the way I sound and this has boosted my confidence.
I was videotaped at the beginning of the course and again on the last day. The improvement shown is remarkable! My plan is to keep practicing all the things I have learned these past 4 weeks so that my voice will sound strong and confident for a long, long time!
Ann Walker
Santa Rosa, CA
March 24, 2011
Santa Rosa, CA
March 24, 2011
The LOUD Crowd
“The LOUD Crowd”
Meets Every
Tuesday
from
10:00am to 11:00am
at
The Swain Center
795 Farmers Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
at
The Swain Center
795 Farmers Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
This is a weekly speech group that emphasis the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®) exercises. In addition, clients participate in lively discussions using their new and improved voices.
For more information contact Jenica
jenica@theswaincenter.com
or call
707-575-1468
For more information contact Jenica
jenica@theswaincenter.com
or call
707-575-1468
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