Physical therapists and speech language pathologists at Nash Day Hospital recently were trained and certified in an evidence-based treatment approach for people with Parkinsons disease. The two-day training and certification workshops, known as LSVT BIG for physical therapists and LSVT LOUD for speech language pathologists, are designed to train rehabilitation therapists in the treatment of Parkinsons disease and other neurological disorders. The training helps them educate and assist patients and their families in how to better manage the disease and improve their quality of life. Physical therapists Caitlin McKisson and Marcy Carlini received their LSVT LOUD certifications and speech language pathologists LaShawn Elam and Tina Campbell received their LSVT BIG certifications. Their attendance was funded by a grant from the National Parkinsons Foundation. Campbell said that a tremor in one hand, arm or foot may be the first and most noticeable symptom of Parkinsons, but the disease has many symptoms. These include softer, sometimes slurred speech and a change in gait going from a normal walk to a rigid shuffle with less arm swinging. LSVT BIG for physical therapists focuses on improving movement, balance and walking by utilizing movements perceived by the patient as exaggerated, but appearing normal to others. … Continue reading →

St. Augustine, Florida (PRWEB) February 14, 2015 The St. Augustine Parkinsons Disease Support Group will welcome guest speakers Amanda Griener, a physical therapist at STARS Rehab, and Rosemary Brigham, a speech-language pathologist at Brooks Rehabilitation, to its monthly meeting on Saturday, Feb. 21, to discuss how people with Parkinsons can use both the BIG and LOUD therapies to increase mobility and vocal quality. The event is free and open to the public. Amanda Griener is a trained practitioner of the BIG method of treatment, a high-intensity, physical training designed to increase amplitude of limb and body movement for those with Parkinsons and other neurological diseases. Griener holds a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Rosemary Brigham is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in the LOUD method of treatment, which improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box and speech mechanism through a systematic order of exercises. Griener and Brigham are well-known clinicians in the St. Augustine area and the surrounding communities with extensive experience treating patients with Parkinsons. Both have spoken to the St. Augustine Parkinsons Disease Support Group separately in the past, but Februarys meeting brings them, and … Continue reading →