NOW OFFERING A FULL CONTINUUM OF CARE
- LSVT LOUD® Treatment
- LSVT LOUD® Tune-ups
- LOUD for Life® Online Group Exercise Classes
We’re excited to provide both LSVT LOUD® and LOUD for Life® group classes for Parkinson’s.
LSVT LOUD® is an intensive, research-based program designed for the treatment of speech and voice disorders associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Our clinicians are certified to provide the LSVT LOUD® program for in-person sessions, and via online telehealth sessions.
Our LOUD for Life® group exercise classes are for anyone who has completed the LSVT LOUD® program and wants support from an experienced speech therapist when completing their daily home practice exercises.
If you’ve completed the LSVT LOUD® program in the past, but have experienced a decline in your voice or speech, it may be time for a tune-up. The LSVT Loud® Tune-Up consists of several treatment sessions designed to remind you of what you learned during your LSVT LOUD® treatment, and how to continue to practice your daily exercises with the same great effort you used during treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about LSVT LOUD® click here to access the LSVT LOUD® website. You can also click here to view a fact sheet about the program
How Does LSVT LOUD® Work?
LSVT LOUD® was developed as a speech treatment to help those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD.) The program is designed to teach people to strengthen their voice to speak at a normal volume when around others. It has since been shown to help patients with speech concerns due to multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke, as well as those with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP,) children with Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
The LSVT LOUD® program enhances articulatory, respiratory, and laryngeal function to make speech more intelligible. LSVT Loud has been shown to improve disordered articulation, difficulty swallowing, and even reduced facial expressions.
There are three key strategies that make LOUD effective. This includes the target (appropriate vocal loudness), the mode (intensive dosage and high effort), and calibration, or generalization. Here is what each of those steps mean:
- Target: Targeting the brain to change through evidence-based treatment
- Mode: One-on-one treatment to encourage louder and longer speech customized to the individual
- Calibration: Recalibrating sensory feedback so the speaker learns how to feel comfortable using the louder, more appropriate volumethe
LSVT Loud FAQs
How Is LSVT Loud Treatment Delivered?
LSVT Loud sessions last about one hour. Four sessions per week are needed over the course of one month. This intensive therapy is done on a one-on-one basis between the clinician and client. During your session, your clinician will assign homework for you to do on your own every day after the session.
The home practice assignments are short and take about 15 minutes to complete. This daily practice helps you permanently improve your communication, as long as you complete all 16 sessions and the daily homework.
Is My Loved One a Good Candidate for LSVT Loud?
If you or your loved one has PD or another neurological condition and is constantly being asked to speak up, you’re likely an ideal candidate. Your speech therapist will evaluate your voice and speech to determine if LSVT LOUD is the best treatment option.
What Should We Expect After LSVT Loud Treatment?
As the gold standard when it comes to PD treatment, you can expect success as long as the program is followed. After LSVT Loud, you can expect an increase in loudness, more pitch variation, and better articulation for at least two years. Often, those who complete the treatment experience improved facial expressions and swallowing. Some may also experience positive changes in their brain.
Can People With Advanced Parkinson’s Disease Benefit From LSVT Loud?
Yes, it is possible for those with Parkinson’s Disease in Hoehn & Yahr stages four to five to benefit from this amazing treatment, though it may be to a lesser degree than others. Also, they may need more follow-up sessions.
Can LSVT Loud Be Done Via Telehealth Sessions?
Absolutely! Research shows that video conferencing is just as effective as in-person treatment. Our clinicians are certified to deliver LSVT Loud via telehealth.
Where Can I Find LSVT Loud in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania?
Right here at Adult Speech Therapy Services, where we use this sensational treatment to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s Disease and others experiencing difficulty communicating due to neurological conditions.
We offer private, secure virtual telehealth sessions. Call us today at 301-323-8486 to learn more about how we can help.
LOUD for LIFE FAQs
What Is LOUD for Life?
Who is the Class For?
This group is only for people who have previously completed the LSVT LOUD® treatment protocol with a Speech Language Pathologist.
Where and When do we Meet?
We meet online, so you can join us from anywhere!
Classes are on Fridays at 11:30 am. (Additional times offered if needed.)
How Much Does it Cost?
$20 per session (not covered by insurance)
How Do I Get Started?
Call our office at 301-323-8486 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
