MEDICAL SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY - SWALLOW/DYSPHAGIA SPECIALISTS

Along with our complimentary specialties, Coastal Speech & Swallow Center's Stephanie Frederick, SLP, is certified in LSVT LOUD. This specialization enables us to provide comprehensive and effective therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.  

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BOOK YOUR LSVT LOUD EVALUATION BY CLICKING HERE!

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LSVT LOUD is an effective speech treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurological conditions. Named for Mrs. Lee Silverman (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment), a woman living with PD, it was developed by Dr. Lorraine Ramig and has been scientifically studied for over 25 years with support from the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding organizations.

 

LSVT LOUD trains people with PD to use their voice at a more normal loudness level while speaking at home, work, or in the community. Key to the treatment is helping people "recalibrate" their perceptions so they know how loud or soft they sound to other people and can feel comfortable using a stronger voice at a normal loudness level.

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While LSVT LOUD treatment has helped people in all stages of PD, the majority of research has been on those in moderate stages of the disease. LSVT LOUD has also helped people with atypical parkinsonisms, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and has recently shown promise for adults with speech issues arising from stroke or multiple sclerosis and children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. Beginning your work with LSVT LOUD before you've noticed significant problems with voice, speech and communication will often lead to the best results, but it's never too late to start. LSVT LOUD has the potential to produce significant improvements even for people facing considerable communication difficulties.

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The extensive research support documenting the effectiveness of LSVT LOUD makes it unique among speech treatment approaches for people with PD. 

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Today, LSVT LOUD is considered the global “gold standard” for speech treatment for people with PD. Extensive research on LSVT LOUD has documented that people with PD show improvements in loudness and more variation in pitch while speaking that are maintained for at least two years post-treatment. Secondary improvements may include better articulation, changes in swallowing, improved facial expressions while talking, and even speech-related brain changes.

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LSVT LOUD Treatment Explained

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A Unique Approach to Better Speech

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Speech treatments for people with Parkinson's disease have historically been focused on articulation and speech rate and have been given at a low-intensity dosage (e.g., one or two sessions per week for some period of time). LSVT LOUD takes a very different approach, focusing on the singular target of increasing vocal loudness to normal levels and delivering the treatment in an intensive, high-effort manner.

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LSVT LOUD is built on three key strategies to make the treatment as effective as possible:

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TARGET:  Vocal Loudness (amplitude)

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These strategies are consistent with the most effective, evidence-based strategies for learning and neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change).

 

MODE:  Intensive Dosage and High Effort

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Intensive and high-effort treatment that encourages people to achieve more by always working harder (e.g., “louder, longer”). Sessions are delivered one-on-one and tailored to your individual communication goals.

 

CALIBRATION:  Generalization

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"Recalibrating" sensory feedback so people recognize their new, louder voices are within normal limits. This increases the likelihood that people with PD will feel comfortable with and use their louder voice at home, work, and play.

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In addition to these key strategies, LSVT LOUD keeps people highly engaged, not only with frequent treatment sessions but also daily assignments for practicing newly learned skills at home and in their communities. Further, LSVT LOUD individualizes treatment exercises to each person’s interests and personal goals for improving communication.

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What LSVT LOUD Improves

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LSVT LOUD improves communication by helping you speak with a voice and volume that's easy for others to hear and understand. The treatment is built on tailored exercises that strengthen the voice box (larynx) and speech system.

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The main focus of the treatment is to “speak LOUD!” However, it doesn't teach you to shout. Instead, LSVT LOUD retrains the feedback mismatch that PD often causes, helping you develop and become comfortable with a voice that you can use without strain at a loudness you'll know sounds normal to friends and family.

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Another key is working with an LSVT LOUD Certified speech-language pathologist whose professional skills and training will ensure that you improve your voice in a healthy way.

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While LSVT LOUD focuses on vocal loudness, research shows the treatment can also help with other qualities that improve communication, including articulation and intonation, and even facial expression.

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After LSVT LOUD Treatment

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The standard LSVT LOUD treatment program spans four weeks of individual clinical sessions (four times per week) plus daily homework and carryover exercises. Once that initial treatment is over, you'll continue to practice at least once a day for 10–15 minutes.

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However, it's important to know that LSVT LOUD is a life-long journey! Four things that can help you on that journey are:

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• LOUD for LIFE® — Community-based exercise class that offers the opportunity for people who have completed LSVT LOUD to practice their exercises and louder voices, not just at home by themselves, but also in a group setting with other LSVT LOUD graduates. LOUD for LIFE classes are intended to be fun, challenging, engaging, and will provide participants with opportunities for social interaction while they exercise! 

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• Tune-up Sessions — Staying in touch with your clinician with regular check-ups and short bouts of therapy to keep your voice strong, you and your clinician will continue to work together to maintain the benefits of your hard work.

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• LSVT Companion®, Client Edition — FDA-cleared medical device, this speech exercise computer program leads you through LSVT LOUD exercises, measures results, and provides instant feedback via a virtual coach! This is for use during or after treatment. 

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• LSVT LOUD Homework Helper Videos — Follow along with one of our expert instructors to motivate your LSVT LOUD practice during and after your initial one-month treatment.