LSVT LOUD & BIG
LSVT Loud & Big is a unique approach to speech therapy designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease or a neurological condition. Its success has lasted for up to at least two years after the therapy treatment.
“Mama” I heard a little girl whisper as I slipped into the pew “There's the story lady!” It
was one of my proudest moments…to be known as the “Story Lady”! I had spent a lot
of time working on my ability to tell stories and she paid me the highest compliment!
One thing I miss as my condition deteriorates is the ability to speak clearly and
meaningfully; the requirements of a good story teller. Just as my handwriting has
become very small and cramped the quality of my voice has also decreased measurably.
As I meet new people our conversations have become “What?” or “Oh dear, I forgot my hearing aid” and “I don't understand what you said”. I smile as I meekly and slowly back away from the conversation, and that is a very boring approach to life!
I was asked if I would be interested in speech therapy. It would be a very different approach to speech therapy from what I had in the past. The name is LSVT LOUD.
Simply put: you agree to a highly disciplined course of study, four days a week for a month. It is a daily hour of hard work; at least I thought talking louder and louder was hard work! There are a series of exercises to do and material to read out loud; no pausing for coffee or visiting and it actually works! ~Pat Sundheim, PWP
Want to learn more about LSVT LOUD & BIG? There are several facilities across the state of SD that has certified clinicians. We encourage you to reach out to a facility in your local area.
How is MS Workouts going to help me walk better?
With strength training, the goal is to target the atrophied muscles around the lesions. Poor mobility can be caused by weak hip flexors, quadriceps, posterior chain, and/or foot drop. When you apply consistent and effort-led exercise to these muscle groups you will prompt the body to increase the muscular strength of them. This leads to having more control over your lower body. Strengh training will not cure foot drop, but it can increase the capacity to lift the foot and flex the ankle which could mean you're not tripping as much (or at all). Having a stronger lower body can mean you're not having to think as much (or at all) about every step you take, you can walk or stand more fluidly and fatigue less quickly. You will have more functionality and control over your balance and coordination.
Where do I begin once I become a member?
After you're signed up, we will send your starter kit in the mail, as well as your login information for your Online Progress Journal. To make getting started as guided as possible, we have created the New Member Orientation. It is a 4-week exercise & education course that will allow you to start exercising immediately (even before your starter kit comes in the mail). It teaches you everything you need to know when it comes to strength training with MS and will get you ready for the programming and many features that MS Workouts offers. The more you learn from this course the better you will be at maximizing your results during our weekly-updated exercise classes!
Do you have exercises for those who use a wheelchair?
Yes! MS Workouts meets you where you are at. We have a weekly-updated exercise class that targets the entire body from a seated position. If you are planning on exercising from your wheelchair, we will send you an extra theraband and carabiners so you can anchor the therabands through the wheels to create resistance.
Do you have exercises for those who use a walker?
Yes! Some members who use a walker choose to use the Standing Exercise Class and others choose to use the Seated Exercise Class. You can choose which one works best for your level of mobility and comfortability.
I am scared that I won't be able to do any of these exercises.
Our program accomodates the entire spectrum of MS. You will do fine as long as you show up to each session and bring your effort! Strength training is always hardest and most daunting in the beginning, because you and your body are not used to it. Don't trick yourself into thinking it's too much for you to handle. We have helped tens of thousands of people obtain life-changing results. Now it's your turn.
It's difficult for me to stay motivated towards exercise!
And you're not alone! It takes effort to make exercise a regular part of your routine, especially when just starting out. We have several ways of helping you stay accountable towards exercise, including our friendly members-only Facebook community where you can workout alongside other members who are supporting, inspiring, and motivating each other.
How often and for how long should I exercise each week?
With strength training, your sessions are short and you don't have do them that often. We recommend working out 2-3x a week, with at least one day of active-rest in between. Each class is around 30 minutes long (with rest periods between each exercise). We also encourage you to perform our static stretch routines after each class (you will love them)!
I don't have Multiple Sclerosis, but I need to gain strength!
Strength training benefits others conditions too. MS Workouts is an excellent recovery tool not just for MS, but literally anyone and everyone, especially those who suffer from a chronic health issue. Currently, there are scores of non-MS members taking full advantage of the exercise program who have illnesses such as Parkinson's, Type 2 Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Stroke, Asthma, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, and COPD.
Can I try this for free before I join the membership?
Sure! Start the 7-Day Strength Camp! You can think of it as a free trial to MS Workouts. In it are seven classes that will guide you through the process of getting results from strength training with MS, and afterwards you can keep the full-body exercise sequence and use it forever.