Therapy Services
LSVT BIG Parkinson’s Therapy
LSVT BIG is an innovative therapy program for improving motor skills and commonly trains people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) to use their body more normally. People living with PD or other neurological conditions (stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Down’s Syndrome) often move differently, with gestures and actions that become smaller and slower. They may have trouble getting around, dressing, and completing regular activities of daily living.
LSVT BIG effectively trains improved movements for any activity, whether “small motor” tasks like buttoning a shirt or “large motor” tasks like getting up from a sofa or chair or maintaining balance while walking. Treatment can improve walking, self-care, and other tasks by helping people “recalibrate” how they perceive their movements with what others see. It also teaches individuals how and when to apply extra effort to produce bigger motions – more like the movements of everyone around them.
LSVT BIG treatment is customized to each person’s specific needs and goals so it can help regardless of the stage or severity of your condition. Treatment may be most effective in the early or middle stages of your condition when you can improve function and potentially slow further symptom progression. Research suggests that you should not wait until you experience disability, impaired function, or loss of balance to start exercise-based physical and occupational therapy.
Beginning LSVT BIG before you’ve noticed significant problems with balance, mobility, or posture will often lead to the best results, but it’s never too late to start. LSVT BIG can produce significant improvements even for people with considerable physical difficulties.
Expected Improvements
- Faster walking with bigger steps
- Improved balance
- Increased trunk rotation
Balance and fall Prevention
If you have fallen in the past, are fearful of falling, or are using a device to prevent falls, this program might be right for you.
Falls are a leading cause of injuries, especially for older adults. They can result in broken bones, head injuries, and a fear of falling that limits mobility and independence. By taking steps to reduce your risk, you can enjoy a longer, healthier, and more active life.
Before treatment, you will meet with a physical therapist to discuss your fall history or concerns and take a test to predict your fall risk.
Physical therapy for fall prevention focuses on improving mobility, strength, blood pressure, gait, foot sensation, and balance. Occupational therapy will address low vision, vestibular function, reaction time, posture, cognition, and home safety. A therapist will work with you to determine if adaptive devices are necessary or if home modifications are needed to ensure a safe living environment. Therapists can also help with medication management.
Pulmonary Conditioning
Pulmonary conditioning is a cross-departmental program including exercise and education that helps people with COPD or other respiratory challenges. While every pulmonary conditioning program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, most programs typically include:
Primary Care Evaluation: Your primary care provider must evaluate and recommend the need for a pulmonary conditioning program.
Respiratory: Once a referral is in place, a respiratory therapist will perform a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and gain a baseline understanding of the severity of your condition. Breathing techniques and devices may be recommended.
Exercise Training: The exercise program will be tailored to your individual needs and abilities, designed to maintain your independence at home, and facilitated by a physical therapist. Your customized program may include aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling, and strength training.
Occupational Therapy: You may be referred to an occupational therapist if activities of daily living are difficult or if your home is not conducive to your lifestyle. A living assessment may be performed and recommendations for alterations may be made.
Education: You will learn more about your condition, how to manage your symptoms, and how to prevent exacerbations.
Other Services: You may be recommended to a dietician to meet your nutritional needs or a mental health counselor to help you cope with the emotional challenges of living with COPD.
Pulmonary conditioning has been proven to improve exercise capacity, manage symptoms, enhance quality of life, and reduce hospitalization rates. If you have COPD, talk to your doctor about whether pulmonary conditioning is right for you.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a stagnation of lymph fluid that causes swelling in a portion of the body. If left untreated, the collection of protein-rich fluid provides a culture rich for infection and inflammatory processes. Reduced oxygen transport then decreases healing to compromised tissues and wounds.
Lymphedema is a progressive condition characterized by:
- Excessive protein or fluid in the tissues
- Chronic inflammatory reactions
- Excessive deposition of fibrous tissues
Lymphedema Symptoms:
- Swelling in arms, legs, fingers, or toes
- Heaviness, tightness, or restricted range of motion
- Recurring infections
- Hardening or thickening of skin
Treatment Options at MRHC:
- Manual Lymph Drainage
- Compression bandaging
- Compression garments
- Exercise and elevation
- Education in self-management