When Elaine Pavkov was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, her doctor suggested speech therapy.
The 70-year-old Ontario resident was puzzled because she was more concerned about declining mobility issues than her communication skills. She signed up for a special program specifically for Parkinson’s patients at OhioHealth MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. LOUD is a speech therapy program designed by LSVT Global, a firm which has been developing and researching therapy programs for more than 20 years.
While at the Mansfield hospital for the LOUD sessions, Pavkov’s therapist thought she could benefit from BIG, another LSVT program developed for Parkinson’s patients. She signed up for that, too.
Trey Counts, manager of OhioHealth MedCentral Occupational Therapy Department, said LSVT BIG refers to maintaining motor function and retraining movements through specific exercises directed by occupational and physical therapists specifically for patients with Parkinson’s Disease. LSVT LOUD aims to strengthen voice via exercises guided by speech therapists for men and women diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“I took advantage of the LOUD speech therapy. I still struggle because I am self-conscious, but people tell me I sound better over the phone. I now am able to talk to a friend who is hard of hearing – and she understands me,” she said.
Speech therapist Sarah Hollinger worked with Pavkov following the LOUD guidelines. They used a laptop computer and microphone to help Pavkov project and strengthen her voice. Sometimes the therapist would turn the radio up so Pavkov could talk over it.
“Elaine was highly motivated. She did whatever I asked her to do to improve her communication. It was exciting to see her progress,” said Hollinger. “Often patients don’t even realize how softly they are speaking. Family members are amazed how much speech therapy helps. The loss of vocal power creeps up on them.”
She noted that LSVT LOUD speech treatment can improve the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson’s with immediate carry over into daily communication.
Occupational therapist Charlie Prinz worked with her on mobility issues.
“Early in the course of Parkinson’s, the patient’s most obvious symptoms are often movement-related like tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, difficulty with initiation of task, and difficulty walking. Many patients don’t realize how they are moving and require education and therapy to establish and sense how normal movement feels,” said Prinz.
He encouraged Pavkov, a petite woman, to use bigger movements during the therapy program which consisted of four days per week for four weeks.
She says the therapy has helped immensely.
“It has allowed me to continue giving piano lessons in my home. The BIG therapy has helped me keep my hands more steady,” she said. “I am much more conscious of my movements. I stop to think and then tell myself what I have to do.”
Her therapists praised her for her willingness to try to do familiar things in a different way, claiming she was harder on herself than they ever were.
“I crack eggs differently now,” she said, with a smile.
Husband David Pavkov did his part to help her. In addition to driving her back and forth to therapy appointments, he also made her signs stating, “Think BIG” and “Think LOUD.”
“I still have one up in my kitchen,” she said. “I would highly recommend this therapy to anyone who has Parkinson’s. It is well worth it.”
The therapists pointed out that early detection is important in maximizing the benefits of these programs. People who are further progressed with Parkinson’s may still notice benefits, but will have to work harder.
The LSVT BIG&LOUD programs are available at both OhioHealth MedCentral hospitals in Mansfield and Shelby. Scheduling can be accommodated to meet the patient’s needs.