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Physical Therapy
Upon evaluation of a new patient, the physical therapist along with the patient will prioritize the major problems that interfere with the patient's quality of life. The therapist may then teach the patient movement strategies to facilitate smooth and efficient function for walking, transfers, and balance. A home program may be instructed with exercises for strengthening and stretch. The most important goal is to develop healthy habits of movement and alignment for every day tasks so that the patient can more easily 'DO LIFE'.
Gait and Balance Classes
As part of the Outreach effort, Gait and Balance classes are taught by the physical therapist. Besides active seated, standing, and walking activities, there will be an educational component to each class.
Marilyn Basham, PT
Marilyn Basham, registered Physical Therapist, has over 25 years of experience in caring for patients with neurological diseases. She holds certifications in Proprioceptive Neurological Facilitation (PNF) and Neurological Development Technique (NDT), and is a registered Yoga Instructor. Ms. Basham has several years experience working specifically with patients having Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders. Ms. Basham also serves as the Outreach Coordinator for patient education at the Parkinson's Institute.
Speech Therapy
Virtually every person (89%) with Parkinson’s disease will have problems such as soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech, and hoarse voice that start early in the disease process and progressively diminish quality of life. Medicine and surgery may dramatically improve the other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but they don’t help speech disorders. The only way to improve speech is by speech therapy.The Parkinson’s Institute is pleased to offer Speech Therapy as a service provided by the Movement Disorders Treatment Center.To make an appointment, please call 800.758.4562.
PD & the Shakers - Singing Group for Parkinson's patients.
Treatments Used
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) Experimental data from more than 15 years of research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has documented that one Parkinson-specific speech therapy, the LSVT® is effective.The results of the treatment last up to two years, making the LSVT® the “gold standard” in treating speech disorders in people who have Parkinson’s disease.The LSVT® is an intense 1-hour a day, 4-week course of therapy that teaches people with Parkinson’s disease to develop the strength required to speak at a normal vocal loudness.The strong theoretical and clinical research base behind LSVT® has demonstrated substantive results:· Improved vocal loudness· Improved intelligibility· More facial expression· Improved ability to swallow· Better neural functioning (PET)LSVT® teaches self-empowerment by improving the ability to communicate and thereby enhancing quality of life.
For more information, please contact:
LSVT Global, LLC
6890 East Sunrise Drive, Suite 120, #241
Tucson, Az 85750
Phone: 1.888.438 5788
Fax: 520.615.8559
Email: mailto:info@lsvtglobal.com
Website: http://www.lsvtglobal.com/
For information on speech exercise videotapes for people with Parkinson’s disease, please visit:www.learningloud.com**
For optimum treatment results, it is essential that LSVT® be delivered by a speech therapist certified in this method.
Randy A. Hoffman, MA
Randy A. Hoffman is certified nationally by the American Speech and Hearing Association and licensed in the state of California as a speech and language pathologist. She holds a master’s degree and a certificate of clinical competence. Experience includes working in acute care at the Northwestern University Medical Centers and the University of Illinois Medical Center. Ms. Hoffman has worked in sub-acute settings throughout the Bay Area while maintaining a private practice in Palo Alto. She is certified to provide treatment for Parkinson’s patients by using the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Program. She actively participates in continuing education programs in the areas of dysphagia and voice. Ms. Hoffman evaluates and treats speech, voice, and swallowing disorders. Many voice problems improve dramatically with the help of a speech language pathologist. Appropriate loudness, pitch and quality can be achieved with the assistance of speech language services.