Unlocking Movement Potential: How LSVT BIG Helps Reclaim Mobility
By: Robin McDaniel, PT, DPT
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or another neurological condition affecting movement, you’ve likely heard the term LSVT BIG floating around—but what is it exactly, and how can it help?
What Is LSVT BIG?
LSVT BIG is an intensive, research-based physical therapy program designed to improve movement in individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. The "BIG" in LSVT BIG isn't just for show—this program is all about amplifying movement, encouraging patients to move with bigger, more purposeful motions.
LSVT stands for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, a program that originally focused on improving voice and speech (that version is known as LSVT LOUD). LSVT BIG adapts those same principles—intensity, repetition, and specificity—to physical movement.
Who Can Benefit?
LSVT BIG is primarily aimed at individuals with Parkinson’s disease, but it’s also shown promise for people with other neurological conditions that affect motor function. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or in the later stages of the disease, the program can be tailored to your abilities and needs.
What Does It Involve?
The LSVT BIG protocol includes:
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Four sessions per week for four weeks (yes, it’s intense!)
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Individualized, one-on-one training
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Daily homework and carryover exercises
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Focused, high-amplitude (BIG) movements practiced repeatedly
Think of it like rewiring your brain and body to move confidently again. By retraining your brain to recognize normal-sized movements as BIG, the therapy helps counteract the tendency toward smaller, slower movements—a common symptom of Parkinson’s.
The Science:
Research has shown that LSVT BIG leads to:
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Improved walking speed
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Better balance
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Increased trunk rotation
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Greater confidence in daily activities
This isn’t just theory—real results have been proven in high level clinical research.
Why “BIG” Works
When you have Parkinson’s, your perception of movement can become distorted. You might feel like you're moving normally, even when your steps are small or your posture is stooped. LSVT BIG works by recalibrating that internal compass, so that bigger movements start to feel “normal” again.
What Patients Say
Many patients report not just physical improvements, but emotional ones too. Regaining independence, confidence, and the ability to do everyday tasks—like buttoning a shirt or going for a walk—can be truly life-changing.
Here are some quotes from some of our recent patients and what they've noticed:
“After LSVT BIG, I feel like I have control over my body again.”
"I can tell my walking is so much better"
"She (referring to her mother who participated in our program) is now able to walk around the house by herself and is able to use the bathroom independently again! She also can get in and out of the bed with much less help."
Getting Started
Interested in trying LSVT BIG? Look for a certified therapist near you—only clinicians who’ve completed specialized training can offer the program. Ask your neurologist or movement disorder specialist for a referral, or search LSVT Global’s website for providers. Both Janet Sandstrom, PTA and I have completed this training and are certified!
Final Thoughts
LSVT BIG is more than just physical therapy—it’s a pathway to empowerment. Whether you're struggling with stiffness, shuffling steps, or slow movements, this therapy offers a practical, research-backed approach to restoring mobility and reclaiming your life.