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LSVT BIG - LSVT LOUD

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Center takes pride in offering the LSVT BIG program.

  • LSVT BIG is an intensive, amplitude-focused physical and occupational therapy approach for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, in all stages.
  • The LSVT programs have been developed and scientifically researched over the past 25 years with funding from the National Institutes of Health.
  • Schoolcraft Memorial offers this specialized program to those who are suffering from the effects of Parkinson’s disease in Manistique and the Upper Peninsula.

We understand the great impact Parkinson’s disease can have on our community members. For this reason, we offer the comprehensive care needed to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life for those in both early and late stages.

What is LSVT BIG?

LSVT BIG is an intensive, amplitude-focused physical and occupational therapy approach developed from principles of the effective Parkinson’s specific speech treatment LSVT LOUD.

Research on LSVT BIG has documented improved ratings on tests of motor functioning in people with Parkinson's disease following treatment, including:

  • Faster walking with bigger steps
  • Improved balance
  • Increased trunk rotation
  • Improvements in activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Improved standardized measurement of motor scores

LSVT BIG is a standardized treatment protocol that is customized to the unique goals of each patient, including both gross and fine motor skills. A fully tailored program, it can be adapted or progressed to meet each patient’s needs across a range of disease severity and presenting impairments.

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital now has two LSVT Big-certified physical therapists.

LSVT BIG FAQs

Here at Schoolcraft Memorial’s Rehabilitation Center, we believe that for a program to be effective, it must be focused, personalized, and engaging.

Our LSVT BIG program is facilitated by our physical and occupational therapy staff, who are trained in LSVT and will be working with patients in an intensive, client-focused, one-on-one setup.

The First Consultation 

The first consultation lasts approximately one hour and is held at the Schoolcraft Rehabilitation & Aquatic Therapy Center

Follow-Up Visits 

LSVT BIG treatment consists of:

  • 16 sessions: 4 consecutive days every week for 4 weeks
  • Individual 1-hour sessions
  • Daily homework practice
  • Daily carryover exercises

Regular LSVT “tune‐ups” may be recommended every 3‐12 months, or as needed.

If you are struggling with the effects of Parkinson’s disease or another neurological disease resulting in slow and reduced size of movements, you may be a good candidate for LSVT BIG. The best way to find out if the program is right for you is to talk to your primary physician for assessment.

LSVT BIG treatment must be delivered only by a physical therapist or occupational therapist who is certified in this method.

A physical therapy or occupational therapy assistant who is trained in LSVT BIG may also conduct treatment under the supervision of a physical or occupational therapist.

Your LSVT BIG therapist will:

  • Help you restore and optimize your function
  • Teach you what to do after treatment to maintain results
  • Advise you on the best community-based exercise options
  • Teach you how to use your bigger movements in your exercise routines and recreational activities at home and in the community
  • Make a lifelong partnership plan to keep moving well!

Those who participate in LSVT BIG daily exercises see improvements in:

  • Starting and stopping movement when you want
  • Direction changes ‐making turns
  • Endurance or stamina
  • Balance
  • Strength
  • Range of motion
  • Posture

Ask your doctor for a referral and a prescription for physical and occupational therapy evaluation and treatment. For more information about LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD at Schoolcraft Memorial, please contact our Rehabilitation Center in Manistique.

Schoolcraft Memorial Rehabilitation Center
7870W US Highway 2
Manistique MI 49854

Office Phone: (906) 341-3254
Central Scheduling: (906) 341-1873
Fax: 906-341-5254

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday, 7 am to 5 pm

What is LSVT Loud?

LSVT-LOUD is an evidence-based speech therapy program designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions improve their vocal loudness, speech clarity, and overall communication. Many people with Parkinson’s experience reduced vocal volume and speech that becomes difficult to understand. LSVT-LOUD addresses these changes using a structured and intensive treatment approach.

The program focuses on one key idea: “Think Loud!” By training the voice to produce healthier and stronger sounds, clients learn how to speak with more confidence and be better understood in daily conversations. Over time, this helps recalibrate the person’s internal perception of their voice, so speaking at a stronger volume feels natural—not like shouting.

Program Benefits:

  1. Increased vocal loudness
  2. Improved speech clarity and articulation
  3. More natural intonation and expression
  4. Enhanced confidence during conversations
  5. Potential secondary benefits for swallowing and facial expression

LSVT-LOUD is delivered by specially certified speech-language pathologists and can be used in outpatient rehab and medical settings. It is backed by decades of research and is widely recognized as a gold-standard treatment for speech changes associated with Parkinson’s disease, but also helpful for some clients with:

  1. Atypical Parkinsonism
  2. Stroke
  3. TBI
  4. Other movement disorders depending on presentation

Regain Independence with the LSVT BIG & LSVT LOUD Services in Manistique, MI

Looking to improve your mobility and regain independence? Ask about the LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD services at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services department. These evidence based programs are specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement or neurological disorders. To learn more about your eligibility or to schedule a consultation, call our Rehabilitation Center today at (906) 341-3254.