Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) is an effective speech treatment program that has been proven to help restore speech in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The gains go beyond what current medication and surgery can offer. LSVT also has been successfully applied to individuals with multiple sclerosis, stroke, ataxic dysarthria, aging voice, vocal fold paralysis and children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
LSVT has been scientifically studied over 15 years with $5 million in National Institutes of Health funding. Observations by patients, family members and professionals confirm that patients are more effective and emotionally engaged communicators after LSVT.
LSVT LOUD centers on a very specific therapy target: increased vocal loudness. This key target acts as a "trigger" to increase effort and coordination across the speech production system. At the end of one month of intense treatment, clients are able to generalize the loudness, resulting in dramatically improved speech.
Courage Center offers LSVT LOUD at Golden Valley (763-520-0234) and Stillwater (651-439-8283).
Recently principles of LSVT LOUD were applied to limb movement in people with Parkinson's Disease as LSVT BIG and have been documented to be effective. The BIG program is used to improve major motor skills to improve things like walking, limb movement and balance.
Courage Center offers LSVT BIG at Golden Valley (763-520-0234), Stillwater (651-439-8283), and Forest Lake (651-464-5235).
Overall, both programs positively impact the client’s quality of life.