Parkinson’s patients benefit from personalized therapy
Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects nerve cells controlling movement, sleep, memory and motivation. Over 1 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Patients experience a reduction of dopamine, the brain’s way of feeling happy. Side effects include tremors, stiffness, speech changes, loss of smell, balance concerns and slow movements.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, it is a slow-progressing condition. The best treatment is dopamine replacement medication. However, patients who seek physical therapy can often delay the advancement of the disease. Patients are encouraged to stay active, as exercise alleviates muscle stiffness and helps motion and stability.
Steve Fusner practices ladder drills to help with motor skills at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation. Regular exercise helps delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Steve Fusner was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021. He began physical therapy at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation in 2022. His therapist recommended Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), a global Parkinson’s program offered at Genesis.
“It has helped me tremendously,” said Steve, who has been challenged with a tremor in his right hand.
Individualized needs
There are two types of LSVT, BIG and LOUD. Because physical movements become smaller as the condition progresses, BIG treatment helps patients like Steve improve their motor skills to change the brain’s response.
LOUD treatment helps patients improve speech loudness, as loss of vocal power is a side effect of Parkinson’s.
LSVT is catered to each person. Patients work with physical therapists to complete four consecutive weeks of treatment for one hour a day, four days a week. For BIG treatment, patients identify movements to improve, such as buttoning clothing, walking, shaving, getting out of bed and stepping in and out of bathtubs. Patients practice exercises between classes. As movements are mastered, the difficulty increases, such as adding balance constraints or turning off lights to challenge other senses.
“I learned exercises geared toward everyday activities,” said Steve. “I can do a lot for myself.”
Rhonda Forrestal, Physical Therapist at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation, is a certified LSVT BIG therapist. She said many patients don’t realize when their sensory-motor movements are declining.
“LSVT BIG helps patients renew their range of motion and balance,” said Rhonda. “The intensity and repetition of exercises creates neuroplastic changes in the brain.”
Skip Yinger works on boxing drills. The repetition of movements creates changes in the brain to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Skip practices the heavy rope. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022.
Skip Yinger was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022. He appreciated completing therapy close to home.
“LSVT BIG made me more mobile,” said Skip, who has benefitted from the stretch techniques he’s learned. “I’m more limber. It’s helped with my arms and shoulders.”
Post-treatment regimens
After completing LSVT, patients should continue practicing the exercises. Steve and Skip have added weekly Rock Steady Boxing and swimming sessions offered by Genesis. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact course to improve movement.
Steve appreciates the support system the Parkinson’s offerings created.
“The therapists push me to do my best,” said Steve. “The classes challenge your brain to do things differently. It never gets boring.”
A Genesis Physical Therapy Assistant helps Steve with boxing drills. Steve began physical therapy in 2022.
Steve also goes to the gym three days a week. Combining therapy with a workout regimen has led to positive changes. He spends a lot of time outdoors, including maintaining his lawn.
“I can better operate my mower, and I weed eat for an hour at a time,” said Steve. “It’s called BIG because it’s been a ‘BIG’ help. I benefit every day.”
Skip and Steve are working on their coordination, dual-tasking and reaction time. They attend weekly Parkinson’s exercise classes at Genesis.
Since completing LSVT, Skip has continued the exercises four to five times a week. He is back to enjoying mowing grass and playing golf. Skip said Rhonda and the Genesis physical therapy team stress the need for patients to stay active during and after the program.
“LSVT has helped me ‘BIG’ time. I’m steadier on my feet,” said Skip. “But treatment isn’t a cure. You must continue the work to make yourself better.”
In addition to therapy and specialized classes, Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation offers a support group for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, their families and caregivers. Meetings are free and open to the community on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation in Zanesville. For more information about Parkinson’s or LSVT offerings, call 740-455-5151.
“LSVT has helped me ‘BIG’ time. I’m steadier on my feet,” said Skip. “But treatment isn’t a cure. You must continue the work to make yourself better.”
