LSVT LOUD Parkinson’s Disease Therapy

What is LSVT LOUD?

LSVT LOUD® is a scientifically documented, efficacious program for treating the voice and speech disorders in patients with Parkinson disease.  The LSVT LOUD® improves both the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson disease by treating the underlying physical pathology associated with the voice disorder.

LSVT LOUD® is currently the gold standard treatment for people with communication difficulties associated with Parkinson’s disease. LSVT® has been studied for over 20 years with the support of grants from the National Institute of Health and Office of Education.  It is considered the first speech treatment with Level I evidence for individuals with PD (Goetz, 2003; Ramig et al., 2001).  A list of supporting research can be found here

Does it work?

Research data indicates that all patients completing the LSVT LOUD report improvement in their ability to communicate.   Research indicates that improvements in voice last up to 24 months post treatment.  90% of patients improve vocal loudness from pre-post treatment (Ramig, et al. 2001).

Observations by patients, family members and professionals indicate that patients are more effective and emotionally engaged communicators after LSVT.

What does it involve?

Treatment focuses on improving vocal loudness and immediate carryover into daily communication activities enabling clients to maintain and/or improve their oral communication.

Steps of the program include:

1. A free initial consult with our speech pathologists to determine if LSVT is a possible treatment option for you or your loved one.

2. GP referral for an ENT review and possible EPC referral for speech pathology if wanting to claim through Medicare.

3. An initial Speech Pathology assessment. This involves taking a comprehensive history of the onset and progression of Parkinson disease, an assessment of your voice, speech, swallowing and a trial of the treatment. You should allow up to 1.5 hours for this assessment.

4. Part of the requirements for LSVT LOUD® is a Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) assessment.  This assessment will confirm that any voice changes are due to Parkinson disease and not another cause.  An ENT assessment can be completed after the initial speech pathology assessment. The ENT Clinic Randwick has an onsite ENT surgeon, Dr. Michael Barakate reviews ear nose and throat function and can complete this ENT assessment (GP referral required).  We can also inform you of ENT’s in your local area.  An ENT assessment can be completed after the initial speech pathology assessment.

5. LSVT LOUD is an intensive set program.  The schedule includes 16 individual sessions within a one month period.  The mode of this delivery is 4 sessions a week for 4 weeks.  Each session is 60 minutes in duration.  There are also daily home practice tasks requirements.  The intensity of this program is key to generating improvement in voice and speech.  See www.lsvtglobal.com for a more detailed explanation.

How much does it cost?

Because LSVT is an intensive program, requiring regular sessions, the clinic offers a generous package for the four week therapy course.  We aim to make this program as affordable as possible.  Please note the essential ENT review is not included in this price, but can be bulk billed. For more information about prices and funding options, please give us a call.

Why ENT Clinic Randwick?

Located in the busy hub of Randwick, our clinic is easily accessible (Lift access and free 2 hour parking).  Our multidisciplinary team means that you can complete your ENT assessment and speech pathology assessment at the same clinic.  If you decide to progress with the LSVT LOUD® program after the initial assessment, we work with our administration team to establish a treatment schedule that suits you and your family.   Because this is such an intensive program, it’s important that you choose a clinician who you feel comfortable with, but also one that knows how to help you achieve an optimal outcome. Jenna and Eugene are both passionate about the LSVT LOUD® program due to research evidence supporting it.

All Speech Pathologists delivering LSVT LOUD must have completed the certified training. Our speech pathologist’s Jenna Butterworth and Eugene Pillay are both certified to deliver LSVT training.  See www.lsvtglobal.com for verification.

For more information or to book an appointment please contact our clinic on 1300 123 368.  You can also visit www.lsvtglobal.com for more information about the program.  Eugene and Jenna will also be guest speaking at a number of Sydney based Parkinson disease support groups in the coming months.  Please ask us for details if you would like to attend.

For  more information about Parkinson’s Disease, click here.